If you understand how to find the easy-to-spot constellation Cassiopeia the Queen, with its distinctive M or W form, then you definately’re prepared to seek out Perseus. Perseus the Hero follows Cassiopeia throughout the sky as seen from the Northern Hemisphere on autumn and winter evenings. Cassiopeia and Perseus are tokens of autumn within the Northern Hemisphere.
Cassiopeia’s vivid stars and easy-to-recognize form makes it straightforward to determine and, due to this fact, one of the well-known constellations within the sky. Perseus’s stars are fainter than Cassiopeia’s, and its form is much less pronounced. As a result of it seems at its finest throughout the night on chilly months, I consider its brightest stars as forming an icicle dangling down from Cassiopeia, with the star Algol off to the aspect. If in case you have entry to a dark sky, it will likely be that a lot simpler to identify Perseus.
The place to seek out Cassiopeia and Perseus
You’ll see each Cassiopeia and Perseus within the northeast on October evenings. The pair can be increased up within the night sky in late autumn and winter. Or, as night time passes, you’ll see them each ascending within the northeast, then arcing excessive within the north, then descending within the northwest, with Perseus following Cassiopeia all of the whereas. Each Perseus and Cassiopeia are circumpolar from about 40 degrees north latitude to farther north. In different phrases, as seen from northern elements of the U.S. and Canada, they by no means set beneath the horizon, however as an alternative circle endlessly round Polaris, the North Star.
The brightest star in Cassiopeia is Schedar. Nonetheless, all the celebs shine equally vivid, which is a part of what makes the constellation really easy to pick.
The brightest star in Perseus is Mirfak. However its second brightest star, Algol, will get extra consideration. Algol is the Demon Star. It marks the top of the demon, Medusa, whereas it’s additionally a variable star. Meaning it varies in brightness at a daily price, each few days, that observers can watch with out the necessity for optical help.
The radiant for the Perseids
Though these constellations are finest seen within the night in autumn and winter, you can even see Cassiopeia and Perseus within the latter a part of Northern Hemisphere summer time, from late night time till daybreak. Plus, the annual Perseid meteor shower peaks round August 12 or 13, and when you hint the paths of those Perseid meteors backward, they’ll seem to originate between the 2 constellations.
The Double Cluster in Perseus
Final, however not least, after you’ve discovered Cassiopeia and Perseus, you’ll want to scan between them together with your binoculars. Assuming your sky is dark, you’ll simply spot the magnificent Double Cluster in Perseus. This pair of open clusters makes for a simple goal by a telescope and can wow your folks.
Backside line: Cassiopeia and Perseus are neighbors within the fall sky. Use Cassiopeia’s distinctive W or M form to find the dimmer Perseus on autumn and winter evenings.
