Star-hop to the Andromeda Galaxy
Tonight, strive star-hopping to the well-known Andromeda galaxy – the big spiral galaxy subsequent door to our Milky Way – from the Great Square of Pegasus. Are you prepared?
First, look westward for the 4 stars of the Nice Sq.. You’ll discover them within the west at dusk. Whereas the Nice Sq. will sink towards the western horizon as night deepens, this well-known sample of stars will stay in view till round mid-evening (at mid-northern latitudes).
Additionally, be mindful the Nice Sq. is so massive that your hand can slip in between any two Nice Sq. stars. By the best way, you maintain your hand at arm’s size to measure distances on the sky’s dome.
More about M31: Great galaxy in Andromeda
Begin with the Nice Sq. of Pegasus
First, deal with the highest star of the Nice Sq. on the above sky chart. If you happen to look rigorously, you’ll see the constellation Andromeda as two streamers of stars jutting up from this uppermost Nice Sq. star. Additionally, the 2 streamers mimic the form of a cornucopia or a bugle.
Subsequent, go to the second star upward on every streamer: Mirach and Mu Andromedae (abbreviated Mu on the sky chart). Then, draw an imaginary line from Mirach by means of Mu, going twice the Mirach/Mu distance. Now, you’ve simply landed on the Andromeda galaxy!
In reality, on a darkish evening, the Andromeda galaxy appears like a faint, blurry patch of sunshine or a smudge on the sky. If you happen to can’t see it with the unaided eye, your sky won’t be dark enough.
Strive binoculars for a greater view!
Backside line: The 4 stars of the Nice Sq. of Pegasus are straightforward to seek out, and so they may help you find the Andromeda galaxy. Are you prepared? Let’s star-hop!
Do you love stargazing? Order your EarthSky Planisphere today!
