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Constellation Observing
These downloadable articles are from an Astronomy magazine 45-article series called "Celestial Portraits". The collection highlights all 88 constellations in the sky and explains how to observe each constellation's deep-sky targets. The articles feature star charts, stunning pictures, and constellation mythology. We've put together 11 digital packages. Each one contains four Celestial Portraits articles for you to purchase and download.
Orion the Hunter - Free downloadable preview
Famous for bold stars and strong, linear features, the Hunter trims his warrior attire with some of the most gorgeous nebulae in the sky.
Ursa Major - Downloadable article
Far from the Milky Way's glow, Ursa Major offers up the Big Dipper and galactic riches.
Virgo - Downloadable article
If the chill of winter puts you on observing hiatus, now is the time to dust off that telescope and point it skyward. A profusion of galaxies in Virgo awaits.
Boötes and Corona Borealis - Downloadable article
Far away from the galactic plane, the Herdsman and the Northern Crown hold a modest flock of wondrous jewels.
Cygnus and Lyra - Downloadable article
Between the feathers of the Swan and the strings of the Harp, the abundant field of the northern Milky Way awaits.
Aquarius and Piscis Austrinus - Downloadable article
Lying squarely in the autumn void away from the Milky Way, the Water-Bearer and Southern Fish are chock-full of faint galaxies.
Eridanus and Fornax - Downloadable article
Clear winter nights offer hardy observers a witch in the waters of the River and a dwarf in the flames of the Furnace.
Gemini, Lynx, and Canis Minor - Downloadable article
Don your warm woolies, the deep-sky splendors of the winter Milky Way await.
Vela and Carina - Downloadable article
The winter Milky Way comes alive in the Sails and Keel of the great ship Argo.
Libra and Serpens Caput - Downloadable article
The scales of justice and the serpent's head provide a nice balance of distant galaxies and globular clusters.
Draco - Downloadable article
The celestial dragon guards a treasure of galaxies and double stars.
Pisces and Cetus - Downloadable article
A shipload of galaxies rides high above the watery constellations Pisces the Fish and Cetus the Whale.
Perseus and Taurus - Downloadable article
Big, bright star clusters and wispy nebulae populate the constellations of the Hero and the Bull.
Puppis - Downloadable article
Bountiful star clusters join with a few bright planetary nebulae to make Puppis the Stern an observer's delight.
Scorpius - Downloadable article
Filled with Milky Way treasures, the scorpion offers a cornucopia of open and globular clusters as well as bright nebulae.
Pegasus and Equuleus - Downloadable article
A multitude of galaxies and one glorious globular cluster highlight this pair of celestial horses.
Telescopium, Indus, and Pavo - Downloadable article
Galaxies galore populate this trio of southern constellations.
Sculptor, Grus, and Phoenix - Downloadable article
Many of the finest nearby galaxies lie tucked away in the southern constellation Sculptor.
Cassiopeia - Downloadable article
Several nearby galaxies join the Milky Way marvels that adorn this queen's realm.
Pictor, Dorado, and Mensa - Downloadable article
This trio of southern constellations hosts the closest bright galaxy to the Milky Way.
Ophiuchus - Downloadable article
Summer splendors, such as globular clusters and planetary nebulae, dominate the Serpent-Bearer.
Ara, Triangulum Australe, and Apus - Downloadable article
A spectacular myriad of deep-sky objects fills this southern trio.
Aquila and Scutum - Downloadable article
Dazzling clusters and nebulae decorate this celestial duo.
Sagitta, Delphinus, and Vulpecula - Downloadable article
This diminutive trio of autumn constellations packs plenty of deep-sky wonders.
Andromeda, Triangulum, and Aries - Downloadable article
The northern sky's finest galaxies make these autumn constellations backyard favorites.
Cepheus and Lacerta - Downloadable article
The far northern sky offers a fine range of sparkling clusters and bright nebulae.
Canis Major - Downloadable article
This small constellation packs a pleasing blend of Milky Way treasures and distant galaxies.
Monoceros and Pyxis - Downloadable article
Sparkling clusters and stunning nebulae make these inconspicuous constellations a backyard observer's delight.
Hydra - Downloadable article
Glittering star clusters and striking galaxies vie for your attention within the boundaries of the Water Snake.
Canes Venatici - Downloadable article
If you're on the prowl for bright, nearby galaxies, you won't go wrong exploring the territory guarded by the Hunting Dogs.
Hercules and Serpens Cauda - Downloadable article
Galaxy-filled constellations give way to the Strong Man for a variety show of clusters and nebulae.
Capricornus, Microscopium, and Corona Australis - Downloadable article
Don't miss these Southern Hemisphere constellations, guaranteed to bring observers many deep-sky delights.
Horologium, Reticulum, and Caelum - Downloadable article
Within the Clock you'll go back in time to find some of the Southern Hemisphere's most distant galactic gems.
Auriga - Downloadable article
Within the confines of the Charioteer, the winter Milky Way comes alive with bright star clusters and dazzling nebulae.
Lepus and Columba - Downloadable article
Admire the stars, nebulae, and galaxies in the habitats of the Hare and the Dove.
Corvus, Crater, and Sextans - Downloadable article
Easily overlooked, these three simple constellations hold a treasure-trove of exotic galaxies.
Centaurus and Antlia - Downloadable article
Dip into the southern sky to sample some of these constellations' starry treats.
Coma Berenices - Downloadable article
Messier objects and members of the Coma-Virgo galaxy cluster highlight the deepsky views within Berenice's Hair.
Crux, Musca, and Circinus - Downloadable article
Three of the sky's smallest constellations hold a large assortment of southern Milky Way delights.
Sagittarius - Downloadable article
Sagittarius holds the heart of the galaxy, and with it, a bounty of Milky Way star clouds, clusters, and nebulae.
Lupus and Norma - Downloadable article
On the fringes of the southern Milky Way, planetary nebulae, star clusters, and galaxies liven up the modest Wolf and Carpenter's Square.
Camelopardalis and Ursa Minor - Downloadable article
In the Giraffe and Little Bear, galaxies, nebulae, star clusters, and other stellar arrangements dance around the North Celestial Pole.
Tucana and Hydrus - Downloadable article
In the Toucan and Little Water Snake, southern observers can sample deep-sky delights from our galaxy and beyond.
Octans, Chamaeleon, and Volans - Downloadable article
The Octant, Chameleon, and Flying Fish hide their deep-sky possessions in the dark realms around the South Celestial Pole.
Cancer, Leo, and Leo Minor - Downloadable article
Springtime skies show off a bevy of galaxies in the constellations the Crab, the Lion, and the Little Lion.
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