The constellation of the Chamaeleon lies deep within the Southern Hemisphere sky. In reality, it’s important to be south of the equator to identify it. Accordingly, as a south circumpolar constellation, it circles intently across the south celestial pole. Due to this fact, it doesn’t set. Thus, in the event you’re within the Southern Hemisphere, you may see it on any night of the yr.
The origin of the Chamaeleon
Pieter Dirkszoon Keyser and Frederick de Houtman created the Chamaeleon, together with 11 different Southern Hemisphere constellations, within the late 1500s. These Dutch navigators explored the Southern Hemisphere and took astronomical observations, naming the brand new constellations after creatures they met on their travels. The chameleon is a sort of lizard, and the northern sky has its personal lizard constellation: Lacerta.
Finding the constellation of the Chameleon
You will discover the constellation Chamaeleon any time of yr within the Southern Hemisphere between the south celestial pole and the flowing river of the Milky Way. Additionally, if you’ll find the Southern Hemisphere’s distinguished constellation of the Southern Cross, or Crux, and draw a line to the south celestial pole, you’ll go via Chamaeleon.
The celebs of the Chamaeleon
The celebs of the constellation are all 4th magnitude and dimmer. Alpha Chamaeleontis and Theta Chamaeleontis lie a mere 1/2 degree from one another, with Alpha at magnitude 4.06 and Theta at magnitude 4.35. They lie 63 and 155 light-years away, respectively.
Delta Chamaeleontis is a double star close to the middle of the constellation. Its two elements, 4 arcminutes aside, are magnitude 4.45 and 5.46, averaging 350 light-years distant. Then two levels away is Gamma Chamaeleontis, magnitude 4.12 and 413 light-years away. Lastly is Beta Chamaeleontis at magnitude 4.24 and 271 light-years distant, discovered on the reverse finish of the constellation as Alpha.
Backside line: The constellation Chamaeleon is a darkish patch of sky that lies deep within the Southern Hemisphere and is seen any night time of the yr.
