The last five rows of the table lists the positions of the five brightest portions. † The Milky Way circles the entire sky so a single position cannot represent it. Basic stats of the Big 5 of the African Sky Object names & catalogue designationsĮta Carinae Nebula, NGC 3372, Lac III.5/6 Two star maps illustrate their general location, with one map devoted specifically to the Milky Way. The accompanying table gives their celestial coordinates and basic data. The brightest parts of the Milky Way are in Sagittarius, Scutum, Norma and Carina. The fifth – the Milky Way – lies in a narrow band dividing the sky in half. Two of the Big 5 lie in Carina, one lies in Centaurus, and one in Crux. The Big 5 are visible anywhere from within the southern hemisphere. The Big 5 of the African Sky are five celestial objects that represent the best specimens of each type of deep-sky class: the Southern Pleaides (an open star cluster), omega Centauri (a globular cluster), the eta Carinae Nebula (a bright nebula), the Coal Sack (a dark nebula), and the Milky Way (a galaxy). Laai die Groot Vyf logo af (kleur op swart)ĭownload the Big 5 poster What are the Big 5? Have fun, and keep looking up! Getting startedĭownload the Big 5 logo (colour on black) Observing certificates will be awarded only on merit and are issued by the Deep-Sky Section of the Astronomical Society.

The names of all participants will be acknowledged on the ASSA website. All submitted observations will be carefully evaluated and feedback will be given.

Deep under the sky download