Starwatch: the lowdown on Sagittarius, the archer

Not all of the constellation is visible from the UK, but some may see the most recognisable central portion

It is time to take a look at the summer constellation Sagittarius. From the UK, the constellation never rises high in the sky. The chart shows the view looking south from London at 9.30pm BST on 29 August. Although not all of the constellation is visible from the UK, the most recognisable central portion can be seen by those with a good southern horizon.

For those in more built-up areas, viewing from a nearby hilltop can sometimes make all the difference because it elevates your line of sight. The central portion of Sagittarius creates an asterism that is known to astronomers as the teapot because of its obvious shape.