THE NIGHT SKY IN JULY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3148, 15 July 1914, Page 34

THE NIGHT SKY IN JULY.

The stars and other celestial bodies are shown on the above chart as they may «-e seen in the sky at about 8.30 p.m. of the 15th. The observer being aware that any star rises and comes to the meridian about four minutes earlier each succeeding evening, will see that for an eai’lier date than the above he must look later, and for a later date earlier in the evening by that amount, if he would see the stars as shown above. The chart as printed serves for the northern view; it should be held upside down for the south, and on either side for east or west. The point ai centre the zenith, and the circumference of the chart the horizon.

By comparing the above, with the chart drawn for June, it will be seen that several constellations then visible in the west have now, set, while others, not then visible, Jiave made their appearance in the eastern sky. Turning to the south we see Hercules and Bootes on either side the meridian, the small Corona Borealis being nearly divided by it. Serpens and Ophiuchus, as well as Libra and the Scorpion, are

over those. Aquna is now well up in the north-east, followed by the little constellation of the Dolphin.

. The bright star Vega, in Lyra, is low down on the horizon, west of Hercules. Aquarius, Capricornus, and Sagittarius reach well up from the point due west to the Scorpion, which passes north of the zenith. Grus and Piscis are over the south-east. The Cross is working downwards towards the west, followed by the Pointers Alpha and Beta Gentauri. The Triangle, Pavo, Indus, and Toucan are to .the east of the southern meridian, while ITydrus, Dorado, . and Argus, with the brilliant Canopus, are to the right, the latter low down. In the west Hydra is partly set, the two small constellations, Cornus and Crater, being still high, with Virgo more to the north, and the last of Leo just above the north-western horizon. Mars may be seen in Leo, nearing the tail of the constellation. Jupiter is in Capricornus, and makes a neat triangle with the stars Delta and Gamma of that constellation. The Moon is not visible at this time.