Lacerta, The Lizard, is a faint constellation wedged between Cygnus and Cassiopeia. The zig-zag asterism can easily be viewed in two binocular fields. The constellation has a wide multiple binary system suitable for binoculars. It is recommended that a study of Cassiopeia and Cygnus be performed first.
Alpha Lacertae is the brightest star (but only 3.8) of a faint constellation between Cygnus and Andromeda. The rest of the stars are only 4th- and 5th-magnitude, or fainter. Alpha and beta Lacertae are found by drawing a line between Deneb and alpha Cassiopeiae; midway along this line are four of the six stars which form the zig-zag asterism of Lacerta.
8 Lacertae is a multiple binary system in which all the components are quite wide. Component AB: 5.7. 6.6; a position angle of 186º and 22.4" separation. Component D is 9.3 magnitude, PA 144º and separation 82". Component E: 7.8, 239º and separation 336".
The system is to the south of the ‘lizard’. From 5 Lac (in the FOV of alpha) find 6 Lac, to the south five degrees (that is, place 5 Lac at the top, and you'll find 6 Lac near the bottom of your glasses). Now with 6 Lac at the top of your FOV, 8 Lac is located just east of center.
