Starwatch: holding out for the hero Hercules

This constellation has one of the most attractive globular star clusters and should be visible all month

For those in the northern hemisphere, June is the perfect time to track down the constellation of Hercules, the son of Zeus and the hero of Roman mythology. It sits high in the southern sky at this time of year and can be readily identified by the central four stars that make up a keystone shape.

The chart shows the view looking south at midnight on 13 June, although the constellation will be readily visible all month. The constellation has no really bright stars but is home to one of the most attractive globular star clusters in the northern hemisphere. The Great Star Cluster in Hercules is catalogued as M13. It is just visible to the naked eye but only to those who live in truly rural conditions devoid of light pollution.