Vulpecula
From Citizendium, the Citizens' Compendium
Vulpecula is a constellation in the northern sky which was introduced by Johannes Hevelius in 1690. This constellation is surrounded by Cygnus, Lyra, Hercules, Sagitta, Delphinus and Pegasus.
| Vulpecula | |
|---|---|
| Latin name | Vulpecula |
| Latin genitive | Vulpeculae |
| International abbreviation | Vul |
| Number of stars | 62 |
| Symbology | little fox |
Remarkable objects
- C 399 (Collinder 399)
- M 27 or NGC 6853 or Dumbell Nebula
History and mythology
Original this constellation was called "Vulpecula cum Ansere" (little fox with goose). In an old atlas one can really find a picture showing a goose hanging lifeless in the mouth of a fleeing fox. In modern pictures only the fox remains. There is no legend about the fate of the goose so everybody can think of his own explanation.
References
| 88 Official Constellations by IAU |
|
Andromeda • Antlia • Apus • Aquarius • Aquila • Ara • Aries • Auriga • Boötes • Caelum • Camelopardalis • Cancer • Canes Venatici • Canis Major • Canis Minor • Capricornus • Carina • Cassiopeia • Centaurus • Cepheus • Cetus • Chamaeleon • Circinus • Columba • Coma Berenices • Corona Australis • Corona Borealis • Corvus • Crater • Crux • Cygnus • Delphinus • Dorado • Draco • Equuleus • Eridanus • Fornax • Gemini • Grus • Hercules • Horologium • Hydra • Hydrus • Indus • Lacerta • Leo • Leo Minor • Lepus • Libra • Lupus • Lynx • Lyra • Mensa • Microscopium • Monoceros • Musca • Norma • Octans • Ophiuchus • Orion • Pavo • Pegasus • Perseus • Phoenix • Pictor • Pisces • Piscis Austrinus • Puppis • Pyxis • Reticulum • Sagitta • Sagittarius • Scorpius • Sculptor • Scutum • Serpens • Sextans • Taurus • Telescopium • Triangulum • Triangulum Australe • Tucana • Ursa Major • Ursa Minor • Vela • Virgo • Volans • Vulpecula |
