Hercules was a great warrior in Greek mythology. From the northern
hemisphere he can be seen kneeling in the sky during Spring. From the
southern hemisphere, he appears low in the north. Four bright stars
form what is known as the Keystone. Hercules' arms and legs extend
from this central square.
The most exciting object to see in Hercules is the magnificent globular cluster M13. It is one of the brightest in the whole sky. M13 is so bright, you don't need binoculars or a telescope to see it if the night is very dark.
Many other constellations, like
Leo, the Lion,
Draco, the Dragon, Cancer, the Crab, and
Hydra, the
Serpent, were defeated by Hercules. They were placed in the sky with Hercules
to honor his victories.
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.
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 of Hercules' brighter 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. With the naked eye, this cluster of more than 300,000 stars appears as a faint fuzzy spot between the stars which form the western side of the Keystone.
Many other constellations were unfortunate victims of Hercules, and
thus were also placed in the sky. According to the legends
surrounding Hercules, he slew Leo, the Lion,
Draco, the Dragon, and Hydra, a
Serpent with nine heads, as part of his Twelve Labors. 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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