This page contains a description of the stars, constellations, and deep-sky objects that can be seen in the sky at around 1900 hours sidereal time. It is assumed that the observer is located at approximately 30° latitude south.
To use the sky map, orient it so that the direction you are facing is at the bottom of the map. Zenith, the point directly overhead in the sky, is located at the centre of the map.
The southeast is rather barren, populated with some of the southern birds, Phoenix, Grus and Tucana. The bright star halfway to zenith in the east is Fomalhaut in Piscis Austrinus whilst Achernar in Eridanus lies lower and further around to the south. Near Achernar lies the Small Magellanic Cloud.
The great ship of Jason, the "Argo," is only partially above the southern horizon. Just above the horizon are the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds, companion galaxies to our own. Much higher up is another bird, Pavo the peacock, as well as Triangulum Australe but the best viewing is reserved for the southwest.
Lupus skulks between Scorpius and Centaurus. The latter constellation contains two of the brightest stars in the sky, Rigil Kent and Hadar. Rigil Kent also happens to be the closest star to the Sun. Near these two stars is the "Southern Cross" or Crux.
Spica of the constellation Virgo is the bright star just setting in the west. Large but faint Ophiuchus takes up much of the northwestern sky with the much brighter zodiacal constellation Scorpius above it and Hercules skimming the horizon below. The bright red star at the heart of Scorpius is called Antares, the "rival of Mars."
The bright blue star low on the northern horizon next to Hercules is Vega, brightest star in the constellation Lyra. Higher in the north is Aquila with Altair marking the eagle's head. Vega and Altair are part of the asterism known to northern observers as the "Summer Triangle" with the third member, Deneb in Cygnus, just above the horizon.
At zenith is the zodiacal constellation Sagittarius. More members of the zodiac follow, namely Capricornus and Aquarius. Aquarius has risen in the east, thus making the radiants of the Eta Aquarid and Delta Aquarid meteor shower visible to southern observers. Also rising, this time in the northeast, is Pegasus and Pisces.
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Copyright © 1995-2007 by David Harper and L.M. Stockman