No matter whether you’re an amateur astronomer, student, or person with a curious mind, you may be wondering which constellations may be visible and bright come July?
Continue reading to discover more about which constellations are visible in July, how these constellations may appear, their myths, locations and more.
Constellations For July: Summary
Corona Borealis, Draco, Hercules, Scorpius, Serpens, and Triangulum Australe are the most extraordinary constellations to observe in July. The constellations best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere include Draco, Hercules, Corona Borealis, and Serpens, while southern constellations include Scorpius and Triangulum Australe.
Corona Borealis the Northern Crown
In the spring and summer, the northern crown constellation, Corona Borealis, may be seen in the northern hemisphere. It is, however, best observed in July in latitudes ranging from 90 to -50 degrees. Corona Borealis is a tiny constellation that covers 179 square degrees of sky, ranking 73rd of the 88 constellations in the night sky in terms of size.
Corona Borealis is a minor yet well-known northern sky constellation whose name means “Northern Crown” in Latin. Corona Borealis is also an ancient constellation with important cultural significance. The famed Blaze Star or T Coronae Borealis, a recurring nova, and the Fade-Out Star are also found in Corona Borealis, however, there are no spectacular deep sky objects.
It was known in Celtic mythology as Caer Arianrhod, the Castle of Arianrhod, and it served as the abode of the Lady Arianrhod. It was, however, the crown that Ariadne, the daughter of King Minos of Crete, wore at her wedding in Greek mythology. Her ball of thread assisted Theseus in defeating the Minotaur and escaping the labyrinth. When they married, Theseus gave her the throne.
Draco the Dragon
During the month of July, Draco, the dragon, is a northern circumpolar constellation visible at latitudes between 90 degrees and -15 degrees. Draco is a prominent constellation that covers 1,083 square degrees of sky, making it the sixth largest in the night sky.
Draco was historically significant because it was the location of the northern pole star, which is now Ursa Minor. As a result, the Earth’s wobble, or precession, the pole has now moved to the star Polaris. The yearly Draconid meteor shower is likewise named after Draco.
Draco was the keeper of the celestial pole, a star that never moves. The pole star was formerly thought to be the portal between the mortal world and eternity. Laden, a terrible beast with a hundred heads selected by Hera to guard the golden apples of immortality, was the dragon in Greek mythology.
Draco is circumpolar since it is placed so close to the celestial pole. In the northern hemisphere, this implies it is visible all night. It flips upside down and back throughout the course of the year.
Hercules, the Strongman
Hercules, the Strongman, is best visible in the northern hemisphere during the month of July, and from May to August in the southern hemisphere at latitudes ranging from 90 to -50 degrees. Hercules is a big constellation that occupies 1,225 square degrees in the sky, making it the sixth largest, however owing to its weak stars, it may be difficult to locate.
A famous grouping of stars known as an asterism can also be found in Hercules. The Keystone is a square formed by these four stars. In the constellation, the Keystone depicts the hero’s torso.
Scorpius the Scorpion
Scorpius, the scorpion constellation, is best visible in the sky’s southern hemisphere. During the summer, it may be seen from the northern hemisphere, although it is low in the sky and best viewed from the southern hemisphere or the southern United States in latitudes ranging from 40 degrees to -90 degrees.
Scorpius is situated to the west and east of Libra and Sagittarius, respectively. It’s a medium-sized constellation that covers 497 square degrees of sky, making it the 33rd largest of the night sky’s 88 constellations.
The “J” form of Scorpius, commonly known as a fishhook, makes it simple to spot. It is also regarded as one of the zodiac’s thirteen constellations. It is a prehistoric constellation that existed before the Greeks.
Serpens the Snake
The constellation Serpens, the snake, is best viewed in the summer from the northern hemisphere in latitudes between 80 degrees and -80 degrees during the month of July. Serpens is a medium-sized constellation with a total area of 637 square degrees, making it the 23rd largest of the 88 constellations visible in the night sky.
This constellation is divided into two different, disjointed parts of the sky, despite the fact that it is technically one. The constellation Ophiuchus, the Serpent Bearer, who carries the serpent in his hands, divides Serpens. Serpens Caput and Serpens Cauda are the names for these two regions. The constellation Serpens is the only one that is divided in this way.
Triangulum Australe, The Southern Triangle
The southern triangle, or Triangulum Australe, is a constellation in the southern hemisphere of the sky that is visible from April through June in latitudes south of 20 degrees. It’s a little constellation that takes up about 110 square degrees of sky, making it the sixth smallest in the night sky.
The “Three Patriarchs,” or Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, are the three brilliant stars that make up the Southern triangle. They’re so well-known that they may be used to find other nearby constellations like Apus in the south, Norma in the north, Centaurus in the west, and Pavo in the east. On the other hand, Triangulum Australe has no mythology attached to it.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the most spectacular constellations to view in July are Corona Borealis, Draco, Hercules, Scorpius, Serpens, and Triangulum Australe. Draco, Hercules, Corona Borealis, and Serpens are the greatest constellations to see from the Northern Hemisphere, whereas Scorpius and Triangulum Australe are best seen from the Southern Hemisphere.
Whether you’re an amateur astronomer, a student, or just someone with a curious mind, don’t miss your chance to see constellations you would otherwise miss for the rest of the year this July.
You might also like:
- Constellations For January
- Constellations For February
- Constellations For March
- Constellations For April
- Constellations For May
- Constellations For June
- Constellations For July
- Constellations For August
- Constellations For September
- Constellations For October
- Constellations For November
- Constellations For December
