Constellation Auriga
What is Constellation Auriga?
Constellation Auriga is one of the 88 officially recognized constellations in the night sky. It is a celestial formation located in the northern hemisphere and is visible to most observers in latitudes between +90° and -40°. The word “Auriga” means “charioteer” in Latin.
Unique Features
Auriga is notable for its bright star Capella, which is the sixth-brightest star in the night sky. Capella is a yellowish giant star that resides approximately 42.2 light-years away from Earth. It is an intriguing multiple star system composed of four stars, with two pairs of binary stars revolving around each other.
Mythology
In Greek mythology, Auriga represents various figures related to chariots. The most common legend associated with this constellation is that of a skilled charioteer named Erichthonius. He was reputedly the inventor of chariots and introduced them to Greece. Auriga is depicted as a charioteer holding a whip in one hand and reins in the other.
Notable Objects
Besides Capella, Auriga contains several other interesting celestial objects. NGC 1664 is a beautiful open star cluster located within the bounds of Auriga. It consists of many bright stars and is an excellent target for amateur astronomers. The Flaming Star Nebula (IC 405) is another stellar region located in this constellation, known for its intricate structures and vibrant colors.