#10 A Few Inconspicuous Constellations

Good Evening Everyone!  This is the Coma Galaxy in the Coma Star Cluster!

Just a quick check in between visits from the 'rents.

Took a nice respite to the backyard this evening to view the Coma Star Cluster and some of the less well-known Spring constellations between Leo and The Big Dipper.

First is another set of stars, somewhat dim, yet easily found hanging out in the darkness between The Big Dipper and Leo the Lion.  These stars are the Herding Dogs, or Canes Venatici.  These are thought to be Bootes the Herdsman's dogs.  Unlike Orion's hunting dogs, these dogs are linked to the Herdsman and are meant to shepherd in the flocks.

The next star cluster is within the constellation of Coma Berenices, or Berenice's Hair.  This is one of the few named after a historical figure.  This constellation is meant to symbolize the hair of queen Berenice II of Egypt.  She was known for her long golden hair, and she cut it when her husband was victorious in a war campaign and gave it to Aphrodite as a sacrifice.  It was placed in the sky by Aphrodite.  Through the binoculars, this star cluster looks kind of like a coat hangar.  It is neat to think that while looking at this star cluster, I am looking out to some of the deeper galaxies of the universe.  I am still super excited to get to the galaxies and constellations of Leo and Virgo.

There is a Little Lion, Leo Minor, that looks like a triangle under the Big Dipper's ladle.  Kind of looks like a mini-Leo.  There is no real significance to this constellation, other than to say we have checked it off the list of viewing in the night sky.

Also had the opportunity this past weekend to check out the Full Moon for the month of March. The Full Worm Moon/Lenten Moon is he last Full Moon of Winter!  It is named so for the start of Spring and the time when the ground thaws and earthworm casings are prevalent.  This weekend was the closest biggest moon to been seen in the last 18 years.  My mother and father and I enjoyed the bigger than life Moon rising slowly above the horizon.

Saturn is on the horizon as well.  In the binoculars you can see the shape of the planet and wonderful tan coloration.  I was tempted to pull out the telescope, well next time! :)