Overview

Pavo is a southern celestial constellation that is Latin for “peacock.” It was first introduced by Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius in the late 16th century, and it is one of the constellations categorized by Dutch navigators Pieter Dirkszoon Keyser and Frederick de Houtman. Pavo is located in the third quadrant of the southern hemisphere and can be easily observed from latitudes below 34 degrees north. It is known for its distinctive shape resembling a peacock.

Mythology

In Greek mythology, Pavo is associated with the divine bird Argus, a faithful servant of the goddess Hera. According to the myth, when Argus died, Hera placed its hundred eyes on the tail of a peacock, resulting in the magnificent plumage. Hence, Pavo is often seen as a representation of pride, beauty, and immortality throughout various cultures. It is also connected to the story of the Greek hero Heracles, who brought Eurystheus the feathers of the Nemean Lion and wore a lion’s pelt over his own head for protection.

Observation

Pavo is best observed during the southern hemisphere’s winter months (June to August) when it is high in the sky. From the northern hemisphere, it is considered a relatively low-lying constellation close to the horizon. By identifying the bright star Alpha Pavonis, known as Peacock, observers can trace Pavo’s distinctive shape and locate the constellation with ease. It is recommended to be in a dark location away from city lights to fully appreciate the celestial beauty of Pavo.

Notable Stars

Pavo contains several notable stars, including:

• Alpha Pavonis (Peacock) – The brightest star in Pavo, located approximately 180 light-years away from Earth.
• Beta Pavonis – A prominent blue giant star with a magnitude of 3.4, named β Pavonis or the Beta Pavonis.
• Gamma Pavonis – An orange-hued giant star also known as HD 202083.
• Delta Pavonis – A Sun-like star similar to our own, often studied in the search for exoplanets.