When Pegasus the Winged Horse rides high in the autumn sky, it truly dominates the scene — not because of a host of brilliant stars, but because of its size. It’s the seventh largest of the 88 star patterns we recognize, and it ranks as No. 2 in the fall, a bit more than 90 percent the size of Cetus the Whale.
From the northern latitudes where most amateur astronomers live, Pegasus climbs much higher. In fact, its central point in declination lies 30° farther north than that of Cetus. So, not only is the Horse easier to see, but its stars also lie far above the horizon, where the thick air distorts the view.
The most recognizable part of Pegasus is the Great Square, an asterism made up of four stars: Markab (Alpha [α] Pegasi), Scheat (Beta [β] Peg), Algenib (Gamma [γ] Peg), and Alpheratz (Alpha Andromedae) marking the northeast corner. Yes, Andromeda. Nobody said given names in observational astronomy were logical.
But I’ll try to be logical in the way I lead you to the objects. Let’s start at the western end of the constellation and move eastward. That way, if you begin observing when the first object is high in the sky, the other objects will literally rise into their best viewing positions.
Permit me to suggest a couple of tips. First, dress warmly, preferably in layers. You can always take a jacket or sweatshirt off. I don’t recall ever feeling too hot to observe, but I’ve frozen on many a night when temperatures were “moderate.” Remember, you’re not doing anything but looking. Second, sit in a chair whose height places your eye near the eyepiece. Remember: Comfort is everything.