stars and planets, galaxies and nebulae - when you look at the night sky for hours, you can enjoy its treasures.Even the mere knowledge of the constellations and the ability to find them in the sky - a very useful skill.You take great pleasure when finding themselves in nature, you will be able to find some constellations and show them to their companions.Northern Hemisphere sky "inhabit" such beautiful constellations like the Big and Small Dipper, Cassiopeia, Cepheus, and others.We focus on the polar constellations of the northern hemisphere, that is, the constellations surrounding the celestial north pole.
easiest way of orientation in the night sky of the Northern Hemisphere - is first find the Big Dipper.This constellation is also reminiscent of the bucket.Furthermore, if we continue the line connecting the two stars for the front of the bucket, to the upper part thereof, a distance of about 30 degrees you will find the North Star.In order to measure this distance, you do not need sophisticated equipment astronomichekie.For this purpose there is a simple method.Pull the hands in front of him and make so-called "goat", straightened the little finger and index finger and bent two fingers between them.The distance between the little finger and index finger, "goat", located at arm's length from your eyes, corresponds to about 10 degrees on the celestial sphere.Thus, count three of the distance in the direction you will find a bright star called Polaris.A characteristic feature of this star - is that everything revolves around the northern hemisphere it.This property they like to Use photographers, making an impressive wilted with hours of delay.Contrary to popular opinion, the Polar Star - not the brightest star of the northern hemisphere.This title belongs to Arcturus, which is located in the constellation Bootes.
Polaris enters another well-known constellation - Ursa Minor.This constellation, as well as the Big Dipper, resembles a small ladle, the end of the handle which determines the Polar Star.Cassiopeia - another constellation, decorating the northern hemisphere.It is very easy on a clear night sky for the characteristic shape, most resembles the letter "M" or "W" of the English alphabet.This constellation is easy to align with the North Star as "reversal" or bottom of the letter "M" directed toward the Big Dipper.
next constellation, framing the north pole of the sky - is Cepheus.This constellation of five major stars that make up the "house", but this image does not correspond to its astrological significance.Roof "house" developed towards the North Star.A more reliable method to find Polaris by a constellation Cepheus - is to continue the right side of "home", formed stars and Alderamin Alfirk upwards. distance approximately equal to the two sides of the house, you will find the North Star.
Last polar constellation of the northern hemisphere - is the constellation of the Dragon.It can be found, knowing that Cepheus is between Dragon and Cassiopeia.Dragon - the most obschirnoe constellation constitutes the northern hemisphere of the sky, but the least known.The reason for this is that it is difficult to observe, and in urban areas where night lighting illuminates the sky, and in rural areas, where the constellation is mixed with numerous background stars located in the constellation.
