Celestial ocean in the autumn sky

In Northern Hemisphere autumn (Southern Hemisphere spring), you can see some constellations representing a "celestial ocean in the sky" to early stargazers.

Meet Piscis Austrinus the Southern Fish

Piscis Austrinus the Southern Fish is notable for its one bright star, Fomalhaut. From the Northern Hemisphere, look south in autumn to find it.

Meet Microscopium the Microscope

Microscopium the Microscope is a constellation with very dim stars. It holds a star, AU Microscopii, that has a disk of dust that is probably forming planets.

Equuleus the Little Horse on autumn nights

Equuleus the Little Horse is a diminutive constellation that lies south of the Summer Triangle. September nights are a great time to view the Little Horse.

Pavo and Indus, the Peacock and the Indian

Pavo and Indus, the constellations of the Peacock and Indian, respectively, are viewing targets for southern observers in the month of September.

Octans and Apus circle the south celestial pole

Octans and Apus are 2 constellations that you have to be in the Southern Hemisphere to see. Octans is home to the south celestial pole.

Corona Australis is the sparkling Southern Crown

Corona Australis is a dim constellation lying below the Teapot asterism of Sagittarius. Its sparkling, curving shape befits its name.

Telescopium home to closest black hole

Telescopium the Telescope is a constellation that appears best in southern skies, south of the Teapot. It contains the closest black hole to Earth.

Aquila the Eagle soars along the Milky Way

Aquila the Eagle is home to the bright star Altair, which forms one corner in the Summer Triangle. Look for it on northern late summer or early fall evenings.

Sagittarius the Archer and its famous Teapot

The zodiacal constellation of Sagittarius the Archer contains the Milky Way's center and a famous asterism known as the Teapot.