As autumn nights fall, one of the most captivating sights in the sky is the constellation of Pegasus, the legendary flying horse. This striking pattern is not just a beacon for astronomers but also a symbol of ancient mythologies that have been passed down through generations. By understanding how to identify the stars of Pegasus, you’ll unlock a deeper connection with the cosmos.
The Great Square: A Celestial Landmark
The Great Square of Pegasus is one of the most distinctive star patterns in the night sky, and it serves as the foundation of the Pegasus constellation. Formed by four bright stars—Alpheratz, Scheat, Algenib, and Markab—this square is easy to spot and acts as a perfect starting point for stargazers. Each star has its own unique color and character, making the square a striking feature. Alpheratz shines white at the top left, while Scheat, at the top right, emits a reddish glow, creating a contrast that can be observed clearly with a few moments of focus.
For those new to stargazing, the Great Square is an ideal reference point to help you orient yourself in the vast expanse of the sky. From this square, the stars extend into the surrounding constellations, offering a spectacular view of the autumn night sky. As described in Space.com, this grouping of stars offers a connection not only to the heavens but to the stories that have shaped human understanding of the cosmos for millennia.
The sky chart on the left shows the stars in the “Polo Grounds” in the Great Square of Pegasus, while the chart on the left shows “Yankee Stadium” in the constellation of Cygnus, the swan. (Image credit: SkySafari app)
Mythology and the Mystical Origins of Pegasus
While Pegasus is known for its astronomical significance, the constellation is also steeped in myth. In Greek mythology, Pegasus is most famously linked to the hero Perseus, who rode the winged horse to rescue the princess Andromeda from the sea monster Cetus. The tale of Perseus and Andromeda is a timeless narrative, with Pegasus playing a pivotal role in saving the day by helping defeat the monstrous foe.
But Pegasus’s myth doesn’t end there. The winged horse is also part of another myth involving the hero Bellerophon. After receiving a golden bridle from the goddess Minerva, Bellerophon tamed Pegasus and used him to defeat the terrifying Chimera, a creature with the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a dragon. However, Bellerophon’s hubris led to a tragic downfall, as he attempted to ride Pegasus to Mount Olympus, only to be struck down by Zeus’s punishment.
Stargazing Tips: How to See Pegasus in the Night Sky
To best observe the constellation of Pegasus, plan your stargazing session for late autumn when the stars are positioned high in the southern sky. The Great Square will serve as your guide, and from there, you can trace the rest of the constellation’s shape, which includes the horse’s wings and body. The best time for viewing is after sunset, when the stars of Pegasus will start to emerge.
A helpful tip for spotting Pegasus is to first locate the Summer Triangle, which is still visible in the western sky. This bright trio of stars can help orient you before you turn your attention to Pegasus in the south. As you shift your gaze, the Great Square will stand out, creating a familiar marker for identifying other constellations nearby.
If you have access to a stargazing app or a star chart, these tools can help guide you in pinpointing the precise locations of the stars in Pegasus. Even if you don’t have specialized equipment, the clarity of the Great Square makes it easy to find with the naked eye.