DRAGON (Draco)

The DRAGON (Draco)
Scouting the Stars with Mr. R.

AbsoluteAstronomy.com

Return to: [5-Galaxy & Constellations]
[Archer] [Big Bear] [Crab] [Dragon]
[Eagle] [Goat] [Harp] [Hercules]
[Herdsman] [King] [Little Bear]
[Lion] [Northern Crown] [Scales]
[Scorpion] [Swan] [Twins]
[Virgin] ["W"]

Mr. R.

The DRAGON (Draco)

The Dragon is not a bright constellation, but easy to find since it wraps itself around the Little Dipper. One of its stars, Thuban, was the North Star during the time of the Egypian empire. Many of the pyramids were oriented toward it, but it has since moved from its pole position and Polaris has taken over. Read about the Platonian Year at FYI.

To locate the Dragon, first find the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper. All the stars between them belong to the Dragon. Slowly draw a sweeping half circle around the Little Dipper. This is his tail. Above and to the right of this half circle is a trapezoid of stars forming his head. Drop down his neck until you find two stars side by side connecting his neck to his tail. Drop a couple of small feet and we have the Dragon.

Photo credit: Allthesky.com

HELPFUL LINK TO "CONSTELLATION" INFORMATION
    Absolute Astronomy.com Choose your desired constellation
    The Dome Information on constellations, their stars, and starlore
    Allthesky.com Constellation photos, deep sky objects, observatories, etc.
    John & Janet's (Amateur Astronomy) Actual photos of constellations
    Teletrade Used telescopes and equipment (If he ain't got it, you don't need it!)
    PAS (Peorea Astronomical Society) Constellations info galore
    A Practical Guide to Astronomy Very educational site
    KidsAstronomy.com STARS--Red, yellow, blue, orange...

Return to: [5-Galaxy & Constellations]
[Archer] [Big Bear] [Crab] [Dragon] [Eagle] [Goat] [Harp] [Hercules] [Herdsman] [King] [Little Bear]
[Lion] [Northern Crown] [Scales] [Scorpion] [Swan] [Twins] [Virgin] ["W"]

Return to: [Scouting with Mr. R.]

Animated graphics by Animation Factory

Webpage updated February 2003
Webmaster, Mr. R.