Constellation Vulpecula
Vulpecula, also known as the Little Fox, is a small constellation in the northern sky. Despite its modest size, it contains numerous fascinating celestial objects and has an interesting history.
History
The constellation Vulpecula was introduced by the Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius in the late 17th century. Hevelius created this constellation to honor a little fox, as a way of commemorating the hunting dogs who helped him during his explorations.
Main Stars
Vulpecula is located in the Milky Way and contains several notable stars:
- Anser: Also known as Alpha Vulpeculae, it is the brightest star in the constellation. Anser is a binary star system and its name means “the duck” in Latin.
- 20 Vulpeculae: A red giant that is more than 500 light-years away from Earth. It is one of the largest stars in Vulpecula.
- HD 189733: An extrasolar system discovered in 2005, consisting of a hot Jupiter-like planet named HD 189733 b and its host star.
Interesting Facts
1. Vulpecula’s Coolest Star: Scientists have identified a peculiar star in Vulpecula called AG Draconis. It is a symbiotic star, consisting of a white dwarf and a red giant. This star experiences periodic outbursts, which makes it an object of great interest for researchers.
2. Dumbbell Nebula: Vulpecula is home to a famous planetary nebula called the Dumbbell Nebula or Messier 27. It is a vibrant cloud of gas and dust that holds the remnants of a dying star. The Dumbbell Nebula is a popular target for amateur astronomers.
3. Vulpecula Cluster: The Vulpecula Cluster, also known as Brocchi’s Cluster or the Coathanger, is an asterism located in Vulpecula. Despite not being a true star cluster, it is a popular sight in the night sky. Its distinctive shape resembles a hanger or a coat rack.
4. Meteor Streams: The August and November meteor streams pass through the region occupied by Vulpecula. Sky watchers can witness these meteor showers during the respective months every year.
Exploring the constellation Vulpecula is an exciting journey through various stars, nebulas, and other extraordinary objects. From the unique Dumbbell Nebula to the intriguing AG Draconis, Vulpecula never fails to captivate both professional astronomers and stargazers alike.