The constellation Hercules (pronounced HER-cue-leez) is one of the original star figures created by the Greeks, who called the hero Herakles. The main part of the pattern is reasonably easy to find. It’s visible from mid-spring through mid-fall in the Northern Hemisphere. Its center lies at R.A. 17h21m and Dec. 27°30′.
Hercules ranks fifth in size out of the 88 constellations, covering 1,225.15 square degrees (2.97 percent) of the sky. And while its size places it near the top of that category, it fares worse (48th) in terms of overall brightness.
The best date to see Hercules is June 13, when it stands opposite the Sun in the sky and reaches its highest point at local midnight. The constellation is completely visible from latitudes north of 39° south and totally invisible only south of latitude 86° south.
Although this star pattern isn’t bright, it contains two Messier objects, both globular clusters: M13 and M92. You’ll find lots of other worthy targets, too. Let your telescope adjust to the outside temperature, get comfortable, and spend an enjoyable night leisurely making your way through the many great deep-sky objects residing in Hercules. Good luck!
Zero in on a hero: Explore the constellation Hercules
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