How to Identify the February Zodiac Constellation Capricornus

Instructions

1. • 1
     Smile when you look for Capricornus. This constellation is comprised of dim stars and in no way looks like a goat. However, it does look very much like a smile--a grinning outline of a mouth to be exact. It also could be construed as a triangle or even a winged bird, but never a goat.
   • 2
     Look for Capricornus in the autumn months. Just because the sea-goat is the January constellation doesn’t mean that’s the best time to observe it. There are 12 Zodiac constellations and 12 months in the year, so the ancient astrologers associated a constellation with each month. Look towards the southern horizon in autumn; you will be able to make out the outline of Capricornus.
   • 3
     Discover the Northern Cross to find Capricornus. Cygnus the Swan, also called the Northern Cross, is a great “T’ shape in the sky. It contains the bright star, Deneb. If you can find this constellation, you can use it to locate Capricornus. Simply look downwards from Cygnus. Eventually, if Capricornus is far enough above the horizon, you will see it. Delphinus the Dolphin is also just above Capricornus. The dolphin is a diamond shaped group of stars with a small tail.
   • 4
     Wait for a dark moonless evening to seek Capricornus. Your chances of spotting this collection of faint stars increases the darker it is out. Capricornus is not too bright. Its brightest star is in the northeast corner of the “mouth,” with the next brightest holding up the other corner.
   • 5
     The Archer can point the way. Capricornus is to the west of Sagittarius the Archer in the Zodiac. Sagittarius is in the midst of the Milky Way, and is in the shape of a teapot. If you can find it, then you can also find Capricornus.