Starwatch: Cygnus the swan will shine even in suburban areas

Large constellation of bright stars can be easily identified, especially as nights get longer in northern hemisphere

The days might be growing shorter for those in the northern hemisphere, but that means the nights will be longer and better for stargazing. This week, seek out one of the most striking constellations in the night sky: Cygnus, the swan.

The chart shows the view looking into the south-eastern sky at 20:30 BST. Cygnus is a large constellation containing bright stars, and so it can be easily identified, even from suburban areas where light pollution interferes with seeing fainter celestial objects.