Sagittarius (constellation)
The constellation Sagittarius (meaning "the Archer") is a group of stars in one area of the night sky. The stars are in the shape of a centaur archer. This constellation is part of the Western zodiac.
 Click for larger image | |
| List of stars in Sagittarius | |
| Abbreviation: | Sgr |
| Genitive: | Sagittarii |
| Symbology: | |
| Right ascension: | 19 h |
| Declination: | −25° |
| Area: | 867 sq. deg. (15th) |
| Main stars: | 12, 8 |
| Bayer/Flamsteed stars: | 68 |
| Stars known to have planets: | 25 |
| Bright stars: | 7 |
| Nearby stars: | 2 |
| Brightest star: | ε Sgr (Kaus Australis) (1.79m) |
| Nearest star: | Ross 154 ( ly) |
| Messier objects: | 15 |
| Meteor showers: | |
| Bordering constellations: | |
| Visible at latitudes between +55° and −90° Best visible at 21:00 (9 p.m.) during the month of August | |
The Milky Way is at its densest near Sagittarius, as this is where the galactic center lies. Consequently, Sagittarius contains many star clusters and nebulae. One of the brightest of the star clusters is Messier 55, about 7.5° west of δ Sgr.[1]
The complex radio source Sagittarius A is here. Astronomers believe that one of its components, known as Sagittarius A*, is associated with a supermassive black hole at the center of the galaxy, with a mass of 2.6 million solar masses.[1]
Deep-sky objects
Sagittarius (constellation) Media
The "Teapot" asterism is in Sagittarius. The Milky Way is the "steam" coming from the spout. The galactic center Sagittarius A* is located off the top of the spout.
Sagittarius region of the Milky Way
The constellation Sagittarius. North is to the left. The line going to the right connects ζ to α and β Sagittarii. Above this line one sees Corona Australis.
Large Sagittarius Star Cloud with Lagoon Nebula at top
The Omega Nebula, also known as the Horseshoe or Swan Nebula
Sagittarius as depicted in Urania's Mirror, a set of constellation cards published in London c. 1825. The Terebellum is seen in the back of the centaur
en:Terebellum (astronomy) star map
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Levy, David H. 2005. Deep sky objects. Prometheus Books. ISBN 978-1-59102-361-6
