Let's begin our search for constellations with Cassiopeia (Kass-ee-oh-PEE-ah). I decided to begin with Cassiopeia for two reasons. First, it has a very easily recognizable shape. It looks like the letter "W" or the letter "M" depending on when you observe it. Secondly, it is always visible to stargazers in mid-northern latitudes. Therefore, you can search for it at night or in the predawn hours any time of the year.
Cassiopeia in the Night Sky
The chart to the left shows Cassiopeia with lines connecting the stars. Since there are no lines in the sky, you need to be familiar with its shape. This first chart shows Cassiopeia at 7:00 PM. As you can see, it is standing on its side. To find Cassiopeia, face northeast and look up, almost directly overhead. (It helps to be seated.) If you don't spot it right away, just keep trying. Pretend your head is the hour hand of a clock and your eyes are the pointer. If the area above your head is 12:00, then you want to bring your head forward so that you are looking at 11:00. Let your eyes sweep from side to side. Remember that the constellation will be large, especially compared to a star chart. Sometimes constellations are easy to find; sometimes it takes patience and more than one observing session. It may be more of a challenge to find Cassiopeia during this, the last week of November, because the moon will be in the sky. However, it will no longer be in the sky by the 30th - so try again. Cassiopeia will always be there
waiting!
Cassiopeia in the Predawn Sky
To the left is the chart of Cassiopeia in the predawn sky, about 5:30 AM. As you can see, it appears to have flipped over and upside down during the course of the night! To find Cassiopeia, face northwest and look near the horizon. If there are buildings or trees on your northwestern horizon, you may not be able to find Cassiopeia at this time. If you have a clear horizon, you will see it standing on its side.
Note
Although I have given specific times and directions to locate Cassiopeia, you may look before or after these times. The location and orientation of the constellation will be a bit different. If you keep that in mind, the directions listed in this article will still be helpful in a more general way.
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