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How to View Sagittarius

The constellation Sagittarius is home to several viewable Messier objects. The constellation is easy to find, but lies slightly further south than most constellations in the zodiac. Keep this in mind as you search the ecliptic for this formation.

Things You'll Need

Binoculars

Instructions

- 1
  Look for Sagittarius in August. This is the best time to view the constellation. Download a free star chart to help you. There are many stars and lines in this formation. You need a chart to find them all.
- 2
  Locate the star Kaus Australis. This is the brightest star in Sagittarius. It makes a good starting point as part of the main body of the constellation. Use your chart to fill in the other stars from this point.
- 3
  Search for the star Kaus Borealis. This star is the top point of a triangle that comes off of the central trapezoid. A Messier object is located near this spot. Use it as a reference point.
- 4
  Use your chart to locate another triangle traced out in the northern part of the constellation. Locate the star that makes the top point of this triangle.
- 5
  Draw an imaginary line between the two points. M22, a globular cluster, is located one fourth of the way from Kaus Borealis to the other star. You need binoculars to view it.

Astronomy