Starwatch: cop the keystone shape of Hercules

Although not extremely bright, Hercules will cover a large area of sky this summer

The Hercules constellation is well placed for viewing from the northern hemisphere at this time of year. Although it does not have any really bright stars, the central four make a keystone shape that is easy to recognise.

Hercules is also easy to spot because it covers a large area of sky; it is the fifth largest of the 88 modern constellations. The chart shows the view looking south from London at midnight tonight.