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Monoceros, the Unicorn ⬅︎

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The constellation Monoceros, the Unicorn, is not known for any bright stars. But it is easy to find using nearby bright stars Betelgeuse in Orion, Procyon in Canis Minor and Sirius in Canis Major. Form a triangle with these stars and Monoceros is found roughly within.

What Monoceros lacks in bright stars, it makes up for with great stargazing targets:

Beta Monocerotis appears to be the brightest star of Monoceros. But with a telescope at 100x power, it is revealed to be three stars. One of the most famous stargazers of the past, William Herschel, proclaimed it to be “one of the most beautiful sights in the heavens.”

M50 is a lovely star cluster in binoculars or a telescope. Its is fairly small, about half the size of a full moon. The Rosette Nebula is one of the most stunning nebulas in all of our sky. But it is so dim that astrophotography is typically used to get a good view of it. See the link below for more info.
Viewing Monoceros, the Unicorn
LevelEasyRatingBest ViewingLate December to late February
FindForm a triangle using Betelgeuse (Orion), Procyon (Canis Minor) and Sirius (Canis Major). Monoceros is found within. For more help use the 'Constellations of Winter' link below.
Use the map above to find Beta Monocerotis, the brightest star of the constellation. Look for other stars. Try drawing the constellation with stars, lines and labels.
With binoculars many more stars will be visible. Take time to explore. M50 Cluster: look halfway between Samoht and Beta Monocerotis for this bright but small cluster.
Beta Monocerotis: under high power, split its three stars. Explore M50: look for its 200 stars. Rosette Nebula: part of it can be viewed with a telescope. See the link below.
▶︎ Constellations of Winter  ▶︎ Monoceros  ▶︎ Rosette Nebula