Scutum
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Constellation | |
 List of stars in Scutum |
|
| Abbreviation | Sct |
|---|---|
| Genitive | Scuti |
| Pronunciation | /ˈskjuːtəm/, genitive /ˈskjuːtaɪ/ |
| Symbolism | the Shield |
| Right ascension | 18h 42m |
| Declination | −10° |
| Area | 109 sq. deg. (84th) |
| Main stars | 2 |
| Bayer/Flamsteed stars |
7 |
| Stars with known planets |
0 |
| Bright stars | 0 |
| Nearby stars | 0 |
| Brightest star | α Scuti (3.85m) |
| Nearest star | α Scuti (174 ly) |
| Messier objects | 2 |
| Meteor showers | June Scutids |
| Bordering constellations |
Aquila Sagittarius Serpens Cauda |
| Visible at latitudes between +80° and −90°. Best visible at 21:00 (9 p.m.) during the month of August. |
|
Scutum is a small constellation introduced in the seventeenth century. Its name is Latin for shield.
Contents |
[edit] History
Scutum is the only constellation that owes its name to a non-classical historical figure. It was created by Johannes Hevelius in 1683, who originally named it Scutum Sobiescianum (the shield of Sobieski) to commemorate the victory of the Polish forces led by King John III Sobieski in the Battle of Vienna, and thus refers to Sobieski's Janina Coat of Arms. Later, the name was shortened to Scutum.
[edit] Notable features
Scutum contains several open clusters, as well as a globular cluster and a planetary nebula. The two best known deep sky objects in Scutum are M11 (NGC 6705), the Wild Duck Cluster, a dense open cluster, and M26, another open cluster also known as NGC 6694. The globular cluster NGC 6712 and the planetary nebula IC 1295 can be found in the eastern part of the constellation, only 24 arcminutes apart.
[edit] References
- Ian Ridpath and Wil Tirion (2007). Stars and Planets Guide, Collins, London. ISBN 978-0007251209. Princeton University Press, Princeton. ISBN 978-0691135564.
[edit] External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Scutum |
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