The Constellation Hercules, the great warrior Click on image for full size (130K JPEG)

Many other constellations, like Leo, the Lion, Draco, the Dragon, Cancer, the Crab, and Hydra, the Serpent, were defeated by Hercules. They were placed in the sky with Hercules to honor his victories.

The Constellation Hercules, the great warrior Click on image for full size (130K JPEG)

By far the most exciting object to see in Hercules is the magnificent globular cluster M13, which is visible in dark night skies even without binoculars or a telescope. This cluster of 300,000 stars appears as a faint fuzzy spot to the naked eye. It is located between the stars which form the western side of the Keystone.

Many other constellations, like Leo, the Lion, Hydra, the nine-headed Serpent, and Draco, the Dragon, were unfortunate victims of Hercules, and thus were also placed in the sky. Cancer, the Crab was sent by Hera to annoy Hercules in his battles, and became yet another victim of the hero.

The Constellation Hercules, the great warrior Click on image for full size (130K JPEG)

Hercules, the great Greek warrior, can be seen kneeling in the sky for northern latitudes throughout the Spring months. Hercules first becomes visible in the east in April, and works his way high across the night sky through October. From the southern hemisphere, he appears low in the north. Four of Hercules' brighter stars form what is commonly known as the Keystone. Hercules' arms and legs extend from this central square.

By far the most exciting object to see in Hercules is the magnificent globular cluster M13, which is visible in dark night skies even without binoculars or a telescope. With the naked eye, this cluster of more than 300,000 stars appears as a faint fuzzy spot between the stars which form the western side of the Keystone.

Many other constellations were unfortunate victims of Hercules, and thus were also placed in the sky. According to the legends surrounding Hercules, he slew Leo, the Lion, Draco, the Dragon, and Hydra, a Serpent with nine heads, as part of his Twelve Labors. Cancer, the Crab was sent by Hera to annoy Hercules in his battles, and became yet another victim of the hero.