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(Posted 1/14/2020)

By: Steve Goldberg

Asterism: a grouping of stars that form a recognizable pattern.

Constellation: Taurus
Right Ascension:  05h 43m 00.0s
Declination: +21° 20' 00"
Magnitude: 8 to 11
Size: 1.5 degrees

 

This month’s asterism is called the “Barbecue Fork” in the constellation Taurus. It is located at the end of one of the horns of the bull. This is the same horn where M1, the Crab Nebula, is located.

 

 

 

 

 

 In this finder view, the Barbecue Fork is located next to star Zeta ζ Taurus. At the bottom of the picture is Beta β Tau, the end of the other horn of the bull.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In this view, the fork is the horizontal line of stars. The “handle” is on the right, with the “tines” of the fork are to the left. The bright star is Zeta ζ Tau and M1, the Crab Nebula, can be seen in the upper right.

 

 

 

Here is a crude drawing that outlines the fork.  This object is on the Astronomical League’s Asterism Observing list. https://www.astroleague.org/content/asterism-observing-program