Lacerta, The Lizard, is a faint constellation wedged between Cygnus and Cassiopeia, concocted by Hevelius in 1687, taking stars from both its neighbours to form the lizard.

Once you find Lacerta the asterism is quite obvious, its stars being mostly fourth magnitude.

To begin with, you'll need a perfect night sky. Now looking north locate Alpheratz (alpha And) to the west and Deneb (alpha Cygni) to the east. Move to the centre of these two stars and you should find the following grouping of stars: Lacerta.

It's a rather interesting group of stars for several reasons. First, it marks the southern point of the 'lizard' asterism, and second it contains the interesting multiple star system 8 Lacertae.

Now that you've found this group with the naked eye, turn to your binoculars and begin to trace the lizard-like asterism.

Also included here are two open clusters, one of which also has a multiple star system, and a very attractive binary perfect for binoculars.

Click on 8 Lacertae to begin, then follow the lizard northward.

Prerequisite: Cassiopeia and Cygnus.



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