WINTER: Auriga

Auriga, the Charioteer is a principal constellation of autumn and winter, positioned north of Taurus, the Bull and Gemini, the Twins. It appears roughly pentagonal in shape, bright Capella (Alpha (α) Aurigae) just pipping Menkalinan (Beta (β) Aurigae) as the most northerly point of the pentagon. Delta (δ) Aurigae sits near the constellation’s northern border, north of the main pentagon by some distance. Capella’s declination of 46o makes it circumpolar from the UK; it never sets, even when due north. Capella lies roughly on the opposite side of the North Celestial Pole to the bright summer star Vega (Alpha (α) Lyrae) in Lyra, the Lyre. As a result, Capella and Vega form a seasonal clock, Vega high in the late evening summer sky, Capella occupying the same position during winter.…

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The Astronomer's Yearbook (Digital) - 1 Issue, Astronomer's Yearbook 2022

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