Crater (constellation)

constellation in the southern celestial hemisphere

Crater (/ˈkreɪtər/) is a constellation. In Latin it means cup. It is a constellation in Greek mythology (Apollo). It was one of the 48 constellations listed by the 1st century astronomer Ptolemy, and remains one of the 88 modern constellations. It is located in the Southern Hemisphere.[1]

Crater
Constellation
Crater
AbbreviationCrt
GenitiveCrateris
Pronunciation/ˈkrtər/,
genitive /krəˈtɪərɪs/
Symbolismthe Cup
Right ascension11
Declination−16
QuadrantSQ2
Area282 sq. deg. (53rd)
Main stars4
Bayer/Flamsteed
stars
12
Stars with planets6
Stars brighter than 3.00m0
Stars within 10.00 pc (32.62 ly)0
Brightest starδ Crt (Labrum) (3.57m)
Messier objects0
Meteor showersEta Craterids
Bordering
constellations
Leo
Sextans
Hydra
Corvus
Virgo
Visible at latitudes between +65° and −90°.
Best visible at 21:00 (9 p.m.) during the month of April.

Mythology change

The name "Crater" is taken from a Greek myth. In the story, a crow or raven serves Apollo. It is sent to get water, but it rests lazily on the journey. After finally getting the water in a cup, it takes back a water snake as well, as an excuse. According to the myth, Apollo saw through the trick and angrily cast the cup, crow, and snake into the sky. The constellations of Corvus the crow and Hydra the water-snake are also taken from this myth.

References change

  1. "Crater". Harvard. Retrieved 2009-09-21.

Other websites change