When planning to view the Lacerta constellation with a telescope, you should know that it is located in the fourth quadrant of the northern hemisphere (NQ4) and can be seen at latitudes between +90° and -40°.
This small but fascinating constellation, also known as “the lizard,” spans an area of 201 square degrees and is nestled among several prominent constellations like Andromeda, Cassiopeia, Cepheus, Cygnus, and Pegasus.
Lacerta may not have the brightest stars, but it’s home to some interesting celestial objects that are worth observing.
The brightest star, Alpha Lacertae, is a blue dwarf situated 102 light years from Earth, shining with an apparent visual magnitude of +3.77. If you’re patient and persistent, you might even spot the constellation’s unique shape, resembling either a skinny kite or a lizard.
Your best chance to observe Lacerta is during the months around August when it is highest in the midnight sky.
Utilizing a telescope will enhance your ability to see its faint stars and deep-sky objects.
This constellation, created by the Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius in 1687, fills a gap between more familiar constellations and offers a rewarding challenge for amateur astronomers.
The History of Lacerta
Lacerta, or the Lizard, is a constellation created in the 17th century. Its stars form a pattern resembling a lizard, adding uniqueness to the celestial map.
Johannes Hevelius and His Legacy
Johannes Hevelius, a Polish astronomer, introduced Lacerta in 1687. He noticed a gap in the sky between the constellations of Cygnus and Andromeda.
Wanting to fill this space, Hevelius crafted Lacerta with some of the faint stars that lay in that region.
This small constellation covers an area of 201 square degrees and is located in the fourth quadrant of the northern hemisphere. You can spot it best between latitudes +90° and -40°.
Its location within the Perseus family of constellations also includes close neighbors like Cassiopeia and Pegasus.
Lacerta’s most famous stars include Alpha Lacertae and Beta Lacertae, both relatively faint. The brightest stars form a “W” shape, similar to Cassiopeia, giving Lacerta the nickname “Little Cassiopeia.”
Mythology and Cultural Significance
Although Lacerta does not have myths attached to it, its Latin name means “lizard.” This imagery fits the constellation’s star pattern well.
The constellation represents a lizard crawling through the night sky, a creative addition by Hevelius to fill empty spaces on his celestial maps.
In modern astronomy, the International Astronomical Union recognizes Lacerta as one of the 88 official constellations.
It contains several interesting objects, including Caldwell 16, a spiral galaxy.
Lacerta is a part of the rich tapestry of the Milky Way, showcasing the ingenuity of astronomers like Hevelius and their contributions to our understanding of the cosmos.
How to Find Lacerta
Lacerta is a small constellation located in the northern hemisphere. Known for its dim stars, finding Lacerta can be challenging but rewarding.
Identifying Lacerta in the Night Sky
Lacerta, also known as the Lizard, is located between Andromeda and Cygnus in the night sky. It covers 201 square degrees and is found in the fourth quadrant of the Northern Hemisphere. It is visible between latitudes +90° and -40°.
Lacerta can be best seen during autumn evenings.
The brightest star in Lacerta is Alpha Lacertae, which has a magnitude of +3.77. Beta Lacertae is another notable star in the constellation.
You can find Lacerta using Cassiopeia and Andromeda as reference points.
Astronomical Tools and Techniques
To view Lacerta effectively, you should use a telescope or binoculars.
This is especially important because its stars are faint and can be difficult to see with the naked eye.
Refer to a star map to locate Lacerta’s position more easily.
Consider using a telescope, especially one from a recommended guide like the 5 Best Telescopes.
Using a map, locate the open cluster NGC 7243 and IC 1442 within Lacerta for a detailed view. Telescopes with higher magnification can help you spot these star clusters.
Observing Lacerta’s Celestial Features
Lacerta, the Lizard, covers 201 square degrees and is located in the northern celestial hemisphere. Positioned in the fourth quadrant (NQ4), it is visible between latitudes +90° and -40°. This section explores some of its intriguing astronomical attributes.
Notable Deep-Sky Objects
Lacerta boasts several captivating deep-sky objects.
NGC 7243 is an open cluster located approximately 2,800 light-years away. This cluster contains a variety of stars, including some bright blue ones, making it a stunning target for your telescope.
Another prominent object is Caldwell 16 (NGC 7209). This cluster is located around 3,500 light-years from Earth and appears scattered with many faint stars.
These clusters offer a diverse view, with stars at different stages of their lifecycles.
NGC 7245, though less well-known, is another open cluster residing close to the Pegasus constellation. It contains a mix of faint stars and can challenge your observing skills, requiring good seeing conditions.
Variable Stars and Exotic Phenomena
Lacerta features intriguing variable stars and exotic phenomena. Bl Lacertae, a blazar and active galactic nucleus, is the prototype for BL Lacertae objects.
This blazar has unpredictable brightening and dimming due to its high-energy emissions and jet activity. It is a fascinating object if you’re into studying the dynamic behaviors of celestial bodies.
EV Lacertae is another noteworthy variable star. It is a red dwarf that exhibits significant flare activity.
These flares are powerful bursts of energy that can be observed with your telescope, especially during periods of high activity.
The constellation also contains several other variable stars like RZ Lacertae, known for its regular brightness variations.
Observing variable stars like these can be quite rewarding as they offer insights into stellar evolution and behavior.