What does the constellation Cassiopeia look like in the sky? Constellation Cassiopeia: diagram and photo

Cassiopeia is an interesting constellation of northern latitudes. This modest, at first glance, combination of stars consists of 90 heavenly bodies. They can be seen simply by looking at the sky, of course, with good vision and lack of city illumination.

The Legend of Cassiopeia

The most common version of the legend says that the Ethiopian queen named Cassiopeia was extremely proud of her beauty. She was so arrogant that she began to compare herself with the younger goddesses, the daughters of Poseidon, and mock them. The sea god heard insolent speeches and became angry. The whole country became a victim of anger, because the sea around the coasts swept the storms, the flood hit the fields, and the ships began to devour the huge Kit.

To save his people, the ruler of the country, Kefei had to sacrifice his own daughter Andromeda, although subsequently Perseus saved her. And Cassiopeia was sent to the sky as punishment by the sea lord. Every year, the throne with the guilty queen turns over, causing her terrible suffering.

Later, the legend softened, and in our day the constellation of Cassiopeia in the sky wanders to remind people of the beauty of the ancient queen.

What does the constellation Cassiopeia look like?

Inexperienced astronomers usually know only 5 brightest stars, which form a characteristic figure, similar to the Latin letter "W". Thus, the constellation Cassiopeia, whose scheme has a simple laconic form, is quickly remembered by observers. These five stars are used in navigation and orientation, their names are of Arab origin.

• Orange giant star Shedar - alpha Cassiopeia - has a brightness of 2.2 m.
• Kaf, beta constellation, has a brightness of approx. 2.3m.
• Navigramma Cassiopeia, a variable brightness star from 1m to 3m. This star has an interesting feature: a half-joking name given to it in honor of NASA astronaut Virgil Ivan Grissom (Virgil Ivan Grissom), ie. His middle name in an inverted perusal. The older and traditional name of the star is Tsikh.
• Rukba - the delta of the constellation, 2.7m.
• Seguin (2.2m), epsilon Cassiopeia, white and blue giant.

The combination of these celestial bodies in the form of the letter "M" - that's what the constellation Cassiopeia looks like in the usual sense.

How to find the constellation?

This constellation can be seen all year round over the territory of the Northern Hemisphere. To monitor the sky, you need to choose a cloudless night, you may have to leave the city, as the illumination from buildings dulls the brilliance of even the brightest stars. You can also use binoculars.

What should I look for in order to find the constellation Cassiopeia? The search scheme has long been developed, focusing on it, it's quite easy to find Cassiopeia. Several times using the scheme, you can easily find the whole three northern constellations with a glance.

First we find the Big Dipper, or the "big bucket". Probably, it is difficult to find a person who would not be able to identify this star cluster. In summer the Big Dipper is shifted to the north-west, in the autumn - to the north, in the winter - to the north-eastern part of the sky, in the spring it is at its zenith. Through the outer edge of the "ladle", consisting of two stars, you need to build a line to the first bright point - it's the North Star, the tip of the handle of the "small bucket", or the Little Ursa.

Now from the penultimate luminary on the handle of the "big bucket" a straight line is laid to the North Star. The line is drawn to such a distance, until the sight rests against Cassiopeia. With sufficient attention this will be done quite simply.

Constellation Cassiopeia. Drawing by points, as an exercise for children

Drawing by points is a useful exercise that develops artistic talent in children. In the drawing of constellations by points, the widening of the horizon of the child is added to this, and the interest in the secrets and beauty of the universe is warmed up. The starry sky above the head enchants and gives rich food to the imagination of both children and adults.

Connecting the stars, you can see how to get a whole image, compare yourself with the ancient people, understand how their interpretation differs from the modern. Each constellation is accompanied by a legend, which is pleasant to listen to, like a fairy tale. So the stars become closer and more familiar. Drawing constellations and recognizing their names in the afternoon, the child remembers them better when he looks at them live at night. This gives an impetus to systemic thinking and an artistic flair. Comparing how the constellation Cassiopeia looks in the drawing and in the sky, the child understands the difference between the abstract and the living.

Constellation Cassiopeia, whose scheme is learned in childhood, will be remembered for life.

Do not neglect such an exercise and adult beginners in astronomy. For example, to study the constellation Cassiopeia, drawing by points will help easily and quickly, a trained look will instantly find familiar outlines.

Noteworthy objects

In 1752, the famous scientist Tycho Brahe saw a brightly flashed star. However, after 16 months it went out. Perhaps, the scientist observed a supernova explosion.

The most famous star cluster is the playful name of Sol-i-pepper. It can be seen through binoculars between the stars Shedar and Kaf. In the constellation of the ancient queen there are two galaxies, but, unfortunately, they are accessible only to telescopes. Cassiopeia lies in the thickness of the Milky Way, so it is rich in interesting objects for study, there are quasars, galaxies, dark, diffuse and planetary nebulae. For an enthusiastic astronomer, Cassiopeia will open all his shining treasures.

Very close to Cassiopeia is the constellation of her husband and co-regent Cefei, this combination of luminaries can be observed over the entire Northern Hemisphere. Nearby are the rest of the legend: Keith, Andromeda, Perseus. What does the constellation Cassiopeia look like, surrounded by a family and old enemies? Presumably, regal and worthy.

The Legend of Cassiopeia in Art

All the legends that have come down to us have found their reflection in books, pictures and films. The legend of the arrogant queen was no exception. Over the years, her image changed from a punished criminal to a proud beauty flying in the sky. Nowadays the queen has become the symbol of a brave and regal woman. An artistic look at how the constellation Cassiopeia looks, the pictures show in a variety of variations.

The combination of the magic of stars and human drama has always inspired talented creators. The constellation Cassiopeia and the legend of her was mentioned in the films "Green Mile", "The Children in the Universe" and "Langoliers". Her name was called musical groups, in her honor were written pictures.

The whole sky is shrouded in legends, which makes the stars for humanity closer and dearer.

Photographing constellations

With the advent of photographic equipment, the desire to capture the pictures of the starry sky only grows stronger. Photos from the Hubble telescope have a fascinating effect. Many ordinary lovers are sure that such beauty can be created only with the use of such super-powerful equipment, but in fact, beautiful photos can make almost every astronomer.

Of course, what the constellation Cassiopeia looks like (a photo made by specialized equipment) can not be compared to home cameras, but, experimenting with shutter speed and other shooting parameters, you can achieve good results. For a long exposure, you need a special tripod, which compensates for the movement of the planet relative to the sky.