You will discover a Unicorn within the evening sky. Monoceros the Unicorn is a constellation that Dutch cartographer Petrus Plancius invented within the 1600s. And, in January and February, the Unicorn is in place for viewing within the night sky. It’s highest up and best to see within the late night hours. And it’s seen close to all evening, with one caveat. That’s- if you wish to seize the celestial Unicorn – you should definitely look in a dark sky. That’s as a result of, true to legendary unicorns, Monoceros is elusive!
Tips on how to discover Monoceros
In January and February, the Unicorn comes out at dusk. First, focus in on the intense stars Betelgeuse, Sirius and Procyon (see charts on this web page). They make a triangle, which – within the Northern Hemisphere – has the nickname of the Winter Triangle. However you may see these stars from the Southern Hemisphere, too. In reality, Orion the Hunter and the celebs close to it are even higher positioned for viewing from the southern a part of Earth’s globe.
Throughout the triangle of stars made by Betelgeuse, Sirius and Procyon – hidden between the various vibrant and glittering stars and constellations seen presently of 12 months – there’s a constellation that’s as elusive in our evening sky as its namesake is in numerous fairy tales.
That is the constellation Monoceros the Unicorn.
2024 lunar calendars on sale now. Makes a great gift! Check it out here.
Star clusters within the Unicorn
The winter Milky Way runs by means of Monoceros. These with darkish skies would possibly attempt drawing an imaginary line from the star Sirius to Procyon. A couple of third of the way in which alongside this line, you’ll discover a hazy object – for those who take a look at thi you may spot this area with optical support, one thing will come out at you – it’s referred to as M50. In reality, it’s one in all a number of open star clusters within the area.
You want a telescope to see M50 clearly. However, with an bizarre pair of binoculars, this cluster of stars is great to glimpse and ponder on a winter evening. There are about 100 stars within the little patch we all know as M50. Additionally, the principle a part of the cluster is about 10 light-years throughout. Your complete cluster is situated some 3,000 light-years from us.
Backside line: Deal with your self to a go to with a legendary beast – Monoceros the Unicorn – within the January and February night sky.
