The Constellation Lynx is a relatively new addition to the list of recognized constellations in the sky. It was officially designated as a constellation by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 1992. Despite its young age, Lynx has captured the imagination of astronomers and stargazers alike.
The Constellation Lynx is named after the wildcat known as the lynx, which is known for its excellent vision and acute hearing. In mythology, the lynx is often associated with oracular abilities, a trait which reflects the curious nature of this constellation.
Lynx is a relatively faint constellation located in the northern hemisphere. It is most visible from November to March, and is best viewed from latitudes between 90° and -35°. Lynx is situated between Ursa Major and Auriga and contains a number of interesting celestial objects, including a couple of galaxies and multiple star systems.
One of the most interesting objects within Lynx is the galaxy NGC 2419. This galaxy is located approximately 275,000 light-years from Earth, making it one of the furthest known galaxies from our planet. It is also known as “The Intergalactic Wanderer” due to its unusual location in relation to other galaxies.
Another celestial object found in the Lynx constellation is the multiple star system known as 11 Lyncis. This system is located around 145 light-years from Earth and contains four stars. The two brightest stars are separated by just under one arcsecond, which makes them difficult to observe with the naked eye. Despite this challenge, 11 Lyncis remains a popular target for amateur astronomers with moderate-to-large telescopes.
To spot the Constellation Lynx in the sky, look for three prominent stars that form an inverted V shape. These stars are known as Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Lynx, and are the brightest stars in the constellation. Alpha Lynx is a slightly evolved blue-white star located around 200 light-years from Earth, while Beta Lynx is a yellow-white dwarf star located approximately 900 light-years from Earth. Gamma Lynx is a white main-sequence star situated around 140 light-years from our planet.
In summary, despite its relative newness, the Constellation Lynx has quickly become a popular object of fascination among astronomers and stargazers. Its unique celestial objects and intriguing mythology make it a worthy candidate for exploration and study. Using your telescope, you too can explore the mysteries of Lynx and uncover the secrets of this fascinating constellation.