The days may be getting shorter for those in the northern hemisphere, but that means the nights will be longer and better for stargazing. This week, look for one of the most striking constellations in the night sky: Cygnus, the swan.
The chart shows the view looking into the southeast sky at 20:30 BST. Cygnus is a large constellation containing bright stars, so it can be easily identified even from suburban areas where light pollution interferes with seeing fainter celestial objects.
The constellation has a distinctive shape, which makes it easy to visualize as a swan flying along the Milky Way. Its brightest star, Deneb, marks the tail, and is also part of the Summer Triangle, a prominent asterism that includes Vega in Lyra, the lyre, and Altair in Aquila, the eagle.
In September, Cygnus is well positioned for evening viewing from the northern hemisphere, rising high in the sky just after sunset. If observing from a dark place, the faint glow of the Milky Way can also be seen passing through Cygnus.
From the southern hemisphere, the constellation is also visible at this time of year, near the northern horizon around mid-evening.
