Introducing the constellations visible only from the Southern Hemisphere
When it comes to stargazing, few places on Earth offer a better view of the night sky than the Southern Hemisphere. Not only can you see all of the constellations visible from the Northern Hemisphere, but there are also many unique constellations that can only be seen from the south. From the iconic Southern Cross to the lesser-known Lupus, let's take a closer look at some of these mesmerizing constellations.
The Southern Cross (Crux)
Probably the most well-known of all the Southern Hemisphere's constellations, the Southern Cross is a symbol of the region's night skies. It features prominently on many national flags, including those of Australia and New Zealand. The Southern Cross is made up of four stars that form a distinctive cross shape, and it can be seen year-round from most parts of the Southern Hemisphere.
Lupus
Latin for "wolf," Lupus is a constellation that represents a wolf attacking a deer. It is known for its many bright stars, including Alpha Lupi, the brightest star in the constellation. Lupus can be seen from most parts of the Southern Hemisphere and is best viewed in July.
Centaurus
Centaurus is one of the largest constellations in the sky and represents a centaur, a mythical creature that is part-human and part-horse. It is home to some of the brightest stars in the night sky, including Alpha Centauri, which is the closest star to our solar system. Centaurus can be seen year-round from most parts of the Southern Hemisphere.
Carina
Carina is a large constellation that represents the keel of a ship. It contains several notable objects, including the Eta Carinae Nebula, one of the largest and most luminous nebulae in the sky. Carina is best viewed in February and March from most parts of the Southern Hemisphere.
Circinus
Circinus is a small and faint constellation that represents a painter's compass. It is notable for its prominent spiral galaxy, which is located about 13 million light-years away from Earth. Circinus can be seen from most parts of the Southern Hemisphere and is best viewed in July.
If you are lucky enough to be in the Southern Hemisphere, take some time to explore these amazing constellations. From the Southern Cross to Lupus, each one offers a unique and mesmerizing view of the night sky.
