Starwatch: track Cetus, the sea monster, sprawling across the night sky | Astronomy
TDuring this week, go in search of the constellation Cetus, variously called whale or sea monster. It is one of the faintest constellations, but it stretches across the sky and occupies about 1,230 square degrees, making it the fourth largest of the 88 modern constellations. Even though it lacks bright stars, there is something hypnotic about tracing its faint outline across the sky.
The map shows the view looking south-southeast from London on November 17 at 20:00 GMT. However, the view won’t change much all week. As it is close to the celestial equator, Cetus is visible in both the northern and southern hemispheres.
In classical Greek mythology, Cetus represents the sea monster sent by Poseidon to wreak havoc in the kingdom of King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia. To protect their daughter, Andromeda, the hero Perseus transformed Cetus into stone with the head of the gorgon Medusa.
The constellation contains a true astronomical gem: Omicron Ceti or Mira. This variable star rises and falls in brightness approximately every 330 days. At its lowest intensity, it is invisible to the naked eye. Its brightness is now near its minimum brightness, so stargazers should keep their eyes peeled for it to return to full visibility in the coming months.
