A few hours after darkness falls during November, the unquestioned landmark of the autumn night sky occupies a commanding position high in the south: the flying horse Pegasus.

The horse's body is formed by four bright stars — the famous Great Square — one of the easiest star patterns for astronomy neophytes to trace out. The Great Square is also a good starting point to become acquainted with the colors of the stars. Alpheratz, the top left star of the square, is white, but Scheat at top right is distinctly reddish. The difference is perhaps most easily seen by repeatedly looking at one star for several seconds and then the other.

Although Alpheratz marks one corner of the Great Square of Pegasus, it is part of the constellation figures of both Pegasus and Andromeda the Chained Princess.

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