Crater (krā´-ter)—the Cup. (face South.)


Location.—Crater is situated 15° west of Corvus, and due south of θ Leonis. It is easily distinguished by reason of a beautiful and very striking semicircle of six stars of the fourth magnitude, forming the bowl of the cup.



The constellation resembles a goblet with its base resting on the coils of Hydra.



The star Alkes is common to Hydra and Crater, and may be seen 24° southeast of Alphard in the heart of Hydra. It is distinguis

ed by its forming an equilateral triangle with α and γ, stars of the same magnitude 6° south and east of it.



Corvus and Crater are to be seen half-way up the southern sky during the early evenings in spring.



δ is now the lucida.



Crater is situated at about the centre of Hydra and is on the meridian, April 26th. Owing to its many faint stars it is best seen on a clear moonless night.



The zodiacal light is well worth observing at this season of the year. It is to be seen in the western sky shortly after sundown, and is most intense during the evenings of March.



CRATER CRATER









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