One very interesting and easy to locate constellation is Lyra, because it includes the fifth brightest star, Vega. In northern hemisphere Vega is the second brightest star with its 0.03 magnitude, and it is one of the three stars of the Summer Triangle. Lyra includes several double stars, which makes it an interesting target to observe. Additionally there are even two Messier objects, M57 and the Ring Nebula. Anyhow, I will not go into details in this article because the point in this article is to tell how Lyra can be located with binoculars.

In order to locate Lyra constellation, take your binoculars and look at the figure on left side. The figure is a screen shot from my Cartes du Ciel sky charts program, which is a free software tool for presenting star charts on a computer. The tool is configured based on my location, which is in Helsinki in Finland. If you are located in central Europe, United States or even on southern hemisphere, you need to take into account that sky looks different from your location. Anyhow, the first figure shows the location of Lyra, which is low in south when observing in Helsinki. Lyra constellation is located next to Cygnus constellation (left side) and Hercules constellation (right side).

When looking for Lyra, start by looking towards south first. Search for the brightest star close to horizon, which is Vega. As soon as you have found Vega, you should be able to locate the other stars of Lyra as well and you should see the formation of the constellation. For closer look at Vega, see the other two pictures of the constellation. Those figures are just zoomed to show better the Lyra constellation.

These three figures are star charts. In order to locate Lyra constellation, print out the charts, place them on top of your head in straight hands, and turn so that southern side of the figures is towards south. By this you should see the sky above drawn in the chart just like it is above your head. Below are more details for locating Vega.

Star
HR 7001 HD172167
Flamsteed Number: 3
Bayer Letter: Alpha
Constellation: Lyra
Visual Magnitude: 0.03
Color Index: 0.00
Spectral Class: A0Va
Annual Proper Motion: 0.202 0.286
VEGA; Wega; Fidis; Harp Star
J2000 RA: 18h36m56.30s DE:+38°47′01.0″
Date RA: 18h37m12.32s DE:+38°47′26.7″
Circumpolar
Culmination : 13h24m
Distance to the last object : +06°02′06.4″ PA:335

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