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Draco lies between the two polar bears Ursa Major and Minor, wrapping itself around the North Pole (although upside down in Spring-Summer). While right-side up in mid-Autumn, the constellation may be too close to the horizon.
The constellation is quite faint. Gamma is the only second-magnitude star, other stars are third-magnitude or fainter. Draco is a treasure-trove of exquisite binaries, many of which are suitable for binoculars. Thuban (alpha Draconis) is found by drawing a line from the tip of the Big Dipper's handle to the brightest star in the Little Dipper's bowl. Thuban is plum in the middle.
Click on alpha Draconis or any other orange-coloured object. |