The Constellation Hercules, the great warrior
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Hercules, the great Greek warrior, can be seen kneeling in the sky for
northern latitudes throughout the Spring months. Hercules first
becomes visible in the east in April, and works his way high across
the night sky through October. From the southern hemisphere, he
appears low in the north. Four relatively bright stars form what is
commonly known as the Keystone. Hercules' arms and legs extend from
this central square.
By far the most exciting object to see in Hercules is the magnificent
globular cluster M13, which is visible in dark night skies even
without binoculars or a telescope. This cluster of 300,000 stars
appears as a faint fuzzy spot to the naked eye. It is located
between the stars which form the western side of the Keystone.
Many other constellations, like
Leo, the Lion,
Hydra, the
nine-headed Serpent, and Draco, the Dragon, were unfortunate victims
of Hercules, and thus were also placed in the sky. Cancer, the Crab
was sent by Hera to annoy Hercules in his battles, and became yet
another victim of the hero.
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