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]
| Constellation | |
 | |
| Abbreviation | Crt |
|---|---|
| Genitive | Crateris |
| Pronunciation | /ˈkreɪtər/, genitive /krəˈtɪərɪs/ |
| Symbolism | the Cup |
| Right ascension | 11 |
| Declination | −16 |
| Quadrant | SQ2 |
| Area | 282 sq. deg. (53rd) |
| Main stars | 4 |
| Bayer/Flamsteed stars | 12 |
| Stars with planets | 6 |
| Stars brighter than 3.00m | 0 |
| Stars within 10.00 pc (32.62 ly) | 0 |
| Brightest star | δ Crt (Labrum) (3.57m) |
| Messier objects | 0 |
| Meteor showers | Eta 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
changeThe 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
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Crater.
