Scutum

Scutum
Scutum
List of stars in Scutum
Abbreviation: Sct
Genitive: Scuti
Symbology: the Shield
Right ascension: 18.7 h
Declination: −10°
Area: 109 sq. deg. (84th)
Main stars: 2
Bayer/Flamsteed stars: 7
Stars known to have 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 ( Latin: shield) is a small constellation, one of the 88 modern constellations. It is one of the few constellations (along with Coma Berenices) that owes its name to an historical figure.

The original name Scutum Sobiescianum (Sobieski's Shield) was introduced in late 1683 by Hevelius as commemoration of the victory of the Polish forces led by Polish king and hero John III Sobieski in the battle of Vienna.

Notable deep sky objects

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.

Mythology

Being a modern constellation, Scutum has no mythology associated with it. It was designed to represent Janina Coat of Arms of Polish king John III Sobieski with cross of Jesus Christ.














Virgo

Taurus "Poniatowski", Serpentarius, Scutum "Sobiesky", and Serpens


References

* Ian Ridpath and Wil Tirion (2007). Stars and Planets Guide, Collins, London. ISBN 978-0007251209. Princeton University Press, Princeton. ISBN 978-0691135564.

Links

The 88 modern constellations

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

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