As the seasons shift from Winter to Spring, heralding in the promise of warmer weather here in the northern hemisphere, circumpolar constellations remain the same. This month, we’ll focus on: Lynx, Camelopardalis, and Perseus. The objects within these constellations can generally be spotted with a pair of binoculars or a telescope in Moab’s Bortle scale class 4 skies.

• Double Stars: The area that comprises the constellation Lynx is famous for its multiple star systems, all of which can be separated with a telescope under dark skies.
Notable stars in Lynx include:

✶12 Lyncis – a triple star that can be resolved with a medium-sized telescope.
✶10 Ursae Majoris – a double star that was once a part of Ursa Major.
✶38 Lyncis – a double star that is described as blue-white and lilac.

• Kemble’s Cascade: This asterism located in Camelopardalis, has over 20 stars, ranging in visible magnitude (brightness) and temperature. The stars give the appearance of flowing in a straight line leading to the Jolly Roger Cluster (NGC 1502). On the opposite side of this constellation, you find the asterism Kemble’s Kite. All three objects can be spotted with a pair of binoculars or a telescope.

• Double Cluster: The constellation Perseus contains the beautiful Double Cluster, two open star clusters (NGC 869 and 884) approximately 7,500 light-years from Earth. This object can be spotted with a small telescope or binoculars. Also, in Perseus lies Algol, the Demon Star. Algol is a triple-star system that contains an eclipsing binary, meaning two of its three stars constantly orbit each other.

From constellations you can see all year to a once in a lifetime event, mark your calendar for the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse visible from Maine to Texas. Learn more on NASA’s website!

The City of Moab is also inviting feedback on its dark sky-friendly test fixtures on Main from 200 South to 300 South through March 20.
Visit moabcity.org/598/City-Streetlight-Conversion-Project or contact sustainability@moabcity.org for more information.

In the appearance of left to right: constellations Perseus, Camelopardalis, and Lynx in the night sky. Also featured: Cassiopeia as a guide constellation, and Capella as a guide star. Credit: Stellarium Web