Kivaan, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pegasus is a prominent constellation in the northern sky, named after the winged horse from Greek mythology. This constellation is most recognizable by the asterism known as the "Great Square of Pegasus," which forms the body of the mythical horse. Pegasus is the seventh-largest constellation in the night sky and is home to several notable stars and deep-sky objects.
Pegasus occupies an area of 1,121 square degrees, making it one of the largest constellations. It is located in the northern celestial hemisphere and is bordered by the constellations Andromeda, Pisces, Aquarius, Cygnus, and others. The constellation is easily identifiable by the four stars that form the Great Square, a large, almost perfect quadrilateral.
Key Features
- Great Square of Pegasus: The most distinctive feature of the constellation, formed by the stars Markab, Scheat, Algenib, and Alpheratz (which is also part of Andromeda).
Mythology
In Greek mythology, Pegasus was a winged horse that sprang from the blood of Medusa when she was slain by Perseus. Pegasus served the hero Bellerophon, helping him defeat the Chimera, a monstrous creature with the body of a lion, the head of a goat, and the tail of a serpent. Pegasus was later placed in the sky by Zeus, where it became a constellation.
Notable Stars
- Markab (Alpha Pegasi): A magnitude 2.48 star, it is the third-brightest star in Pegasus and represents the shoulder of the winged horse.
- Scheat (Beta Pegasi): The second-brightest star in Pegasus with a magnitude of 2.42, representing the horse’s leg.
- Enif (Epsilon Pegasi): The brightest star in the constellation, with a magnitude of 2.39, marking the horse's nose.
Visibility
Pegasus is visible in the northern hemisphere from late summer through autumn. It is best observed during September and October when it is high in the evening sky. The constellation is also partially visible from the southern hemisphere, though it appears lower on the horizon.
Tips for Observing
- Locate the Great Square: Start by finding the Great Square of Pegasus, which is relatively easy to spot in the night sky due to its large size and bright stars.
- Use Binoculars: While the Great Square is visible to the naked eye, using binoculars or a small telescope can enhance the view of fainter stars and deep-sky objects within the constellation.
- Dark Skies: To observe the full extent of Pegasus, find a location away from city lights to reduce light pollution, which can obscure the fainter stars.