To view the Corona Borealis constellation with a telescope, you need to know when and where to look. This constellation, also known as the Northern Crown, is located in the northern sky and is best observed in the evening sky during the summer months.
It covers an area of 179 square degrees and is visible between latitudes +90° and -50°.
Corona Borealis is situated near the constellations Hercules and Boötes, making it easier to locate.
Look for a U-shaped string of stars that resembles a crown.
Using a stargazing app like Google Sky, Night Sky 11, or Star Walk 2 can significantly help you identify these stars and pinpoint the exact location of Corona Borealis in the sky.
When setting up your telescope, aim it towards this U-shaped constellation.
You might see T CrB, a nova in Corona Borealis, which is a rare event worth witnessing.
Observing this constellation through your telescope not only enhances your stargazing experience but also deepens your appreciation for the wonders of astronomy.
The History of Corona Borealis
Corona Borealis is one of the 88 modern constellations, located in the Northern Celestial Hemisphere. The constellation covers approximately 179 square degrees and is most visible between latitudes +90° and -50°.
One key feature of this constellation’s history is that it was listed among the 48 constellations by the ancient astronomer Ptolemy.
Its most prominent stars form a semicircular arc, which looks like a crown. The name “Corona Borealis” means “northern crown” in Latin.
This constellation can be observed in the summer, especially in July, in the night sky.
T Coronae Borealis, also known as the Blaze Star, is a notable variable star within this constellation.
It is part of a binary system and has shown repeated outbursts, which make it especially interesting for astronomers. Its apparent magnitude can change dramatically, catching the attention of observers.
Historical records, such as those by the 16th-century astronomer Tycho Brahe, have documented significant observations of this constellation.
Brahe’s data on nova eruptions and the position of stars in Corona Borealis have been influential in the field of astronomy.
In more recent times, the study of Rho Coronae Borealis, a yellow dwarf star, led to the discovery of an exoplanet in 1997.
This star is considered a solar twin, with similar mass and luminosity to our Sun.
Corona Borealis is home to many interesting deep-sky objects, including the galaxy cluster Abell 2065.
This cluster is a highly dense collection of galaxies, providing a rich field for scientific research.
Observing Corona Borealis
Corona Borealis is a small but prominent constellation located in the northern sky. It spans 179 square degrees and belongs to the third quadrant of the northern hemisphere (NQ3). You can observe it most easily between latitudes +90° and -50°.
Finding Corona Borealis
Look for Corona Borealis between the constellations Hercules and Boötes. The constellation’s curved shape resembles a crown, making it relatively easy to spot.
| Object | Description |
|---|---|
| Gemma | Also known as Alphecca; the brightest star |
| T CrB | A notable variable star within the constellation |
| Binary Stars | Several binary star systems can be observed |
Observation Tips
- Telescope: A telescope will show more details, like binary stars and faint stars.
- Binoculars: Use binoculars for a wider field of view.
- Naked Eye: You can see the main stars of Corona Borealis without any tools.
Best Viewing Times
The best time to observe Corona Borealis is in the spring and early summer months. Around 2 A.M. local time in mid-April, it is high in the sky and easier to spot.
Notable Stars and Objects
- Gemma (Alphecca): The brightest star in the constellation, a good starting point for your observations.
- T Coronae Borealis: Known as the “Blaze Star,” it’s a fascinating variable star that may suddenly brighten.
How to Find Corona Borealis
Corona Borealis (CrB) is a constellation in the Northern Hemisphere, located between Hercules and Boötes. Known as the Northern Crown, it covers an area of 179 square degrees and resides in the second quadrant of the northern sky.
You can see it between latitudes +90° and -50°.
To find Corona Borealis, follow these steps:
- Locate the Big Dipper: Start by finding Ursa Major in the northern sky.
Draw an imaginary line from the two outer stars of its “bowl” (Merak and Dubhe) to locate Polaris, the North Star.
- Find Bootes: From Polaris, move east to find the bright star Arcturus in the constellation Boötes.
Arcturus is a good reference point because it’s one of the brightest stars in the sky.
- Spot the Northern Crown: Look to the west of Arcturus to see the semicircle of stars forming Corona Borealis.
The constellation is most prominent during the summer months, especially in July.
The brightest star in the constellation is Gemma (also called Alphecca), a member of the Ursa Major Moving Group. It helps define the shape of the Northern Crown.
T Coronae Borealis, or the Blaze Star, is another notable star. Although faint, it occasionally brightens due to stellar activity.
Observatories are excellent places to view Corona Borealis.
In dark skies away from city lights, the constellation is easier to see.
The Milky Way runs close to Corona Borealis, adding to the beauty of the night sky in this region.