Hobbies And Interests
Corona Austrailis
Corona Austrailis crosses the meridian on Aug. 15 and can be best seen in this month in the northern hemisphere. It also makes an appearance from May through July, although with less visibility. Lying between Sagittarius and Scorpius, it contains mostly faint, small stars together creating a half circle, said to represent the crown worn by Sagittarius, the legendary centaur.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius, also known as "The Archer," can be best seen around Aug. 20 in the northern hemisphere and during the winter months in the southern hemisphere. This constellation is characterized by a cluster of stars forming a teacup shape. Sagittarius is one of the original 48 constellations identified and named by ancient Roman astronomer Ptolemy. Sagittarius is named after a centaur who battled Scorpius in Roman legends. Sagittarius is located in the center of the Milky Way and is thus an important constellation. It contains more Messier objects than any other constellation.
Cygnus
Cygnus constitutes one of the largest constellations in the sky. The brightest star in Cygnus combines with two stars from other constellations to create the "Summer Triangle." The brightest stars also constitute the Northern Cross. Cygnus is shaped like a large, broad cross, or as a bird swooping down. The North American nebula can also be found in Cygnus, according to Astronomy Today, yet requires a telescope to see it.
Lyra
Lyra, or The Lyre (Harp), crosses the meridian on Aug. 15 and is visible between June and October. According to Roman legend, Hermes gave the Lyre as a gift to his brother Apollo, who then gave it to Orpheus. Although Lyra is one of the smallest constellations, it boasts Vega, the fifth brightest star in the sky, which also composes the "Summer Triangle" along with a star in Cygnus.