Sagittarius is a large constellation of early summer. Its collection of Messier deep sky objects is second to none; some of these are accessible to binoculars and several are even spectacular.

Sagittarius is unusual in that its brightest star is not alpha nor even beta but rather epsilon.

Epsilon lies northwest of the Southern Crown (Corona Australis) while alpha and beta are in the southeast corner of this constellation.

However the most noticeable asterism of Sagittarius is a distinctive trapezoid at its centre.

It is suggested that you first click on sigma to get started.