The Explore the Universe Certificate requires the analysis and identification of 24 different constellations. During the first part of October I spent some time finding my way around Capricornus. This is another zodiacal constellation as it is found near the ecliptic. The constellation boundaries have one Messier object, M30, a beautiful globular cluster located just a little East of Zeta Capricorni. A lot of people may know this constellation as Capricorn, but that is just the astrological name of the object and not the official astronomical name. Below is the map I made of the constellation with a pair of binoculars.
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| Capricornus Observation Record |
Mythologically, Capricornus represents a goat with the tail of a fish. This association seems to have originated with the Sumerians and Babylonians in the 21st century BC. There are many myths associated with this goat-fish. My favourite myth is the Greek deity Pan, who was a faun, saving the Olympian gods during their battle with Typhon. At some point during the battle Pan dove into the Nile and his hindquarters turned into those of a fish, allowing him extra mobility in the water. Zeus, impressed with Pan's bravery, made him a god and he took his place among the stars.
An image of the goat-fish overlaid with the constellation is shown below.
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| Capricornus (Artist Interpretation) |
Capricornus is the second faintest constellation in the sky after Cancer. It is not an incredibly impressive sight with the naked eye. The Alpha and Beta stars are both double stars that you can split with a pair of binoculars. There are several NGC objects scattered around the boundaries of the constellation if you have a decent telescope to view.
The sky this evening is overcast so there is no hope to do any observing. I am hoping they clear up for the NOVA meeting and RAO open house at the end of the week. I will make an observing plan to map Orion and Gemini while they are in a good position during the cold winter months.
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