What can you identify in the night sky?

Like knowing the sites and streets of the town you live in, everyone should know something of their stellar neighborhood and be able to identify a few things if for no reason but to remind us that we are spinning around on a tiny planet revolving around a typical star, in a spiral galaxy within a universe of galaxies. Just once, every now and then, look up and feel the enormity of what you are a part of.

Constellations

In the winter sky, some prominent constellations are Orion, Taurus, Canus Major, The Pleiades, Pegasus, and always the Big Dipper. The following video explains how to find the constellation of Orion and the names of some of the stars in Orion.

This next video introduces you to the brightest star in the night sky, Sirius. It also explains the stars of the Winter Triangle.

And the next video shows you how to find Taurus and The Pleiades.

Watch these three videos and you will know the main stars of Orion; Sirius, brightest star in the night sky; Taurus the Bull; and the Pleiades. You will be able to step out any clear winter evening and point to and identify at least ten things in the night sky.

As a bonus, here is what you can see in the belt and sword of Orion. Binoculars recommended.

Stay tuned for more episodes and more things to see if you Look! Up in the Sky.