Auriga

Uncommon card · No. 165195

Auriga is a constellation in the northern celestial hemisphere. It is one of the 88 modern constellations; it was among the 48 constellations listed by the 2nd-century astronomer Ptolemy. Its name is Latin for '(the) charioteer', associating it with various mythological beings, including Erichthonius and Myrtilus. In Chinese mythology, its stars were part of several constellations, including the celestial emperors' chariots. Auriga is most prominent during winter evenings in the Northern Hemisphere, as are five other constellations that have stars in the Winter Hexagon asterism. Because of its northern declination, Auriga is only visible in its entirety as far south as −34°; for observers farther south it lies partially or fully below the horizon. A large constellation, with an area of 657 square degrees, it is half the size of the largest, Hydra. Its brightest star, Capella, is an unusual multiple star system and amongst the brightest stars in the night sky. Beta Aurigae is an interesting...

Read on Wikipedia · Image IAU and Sky & Telescope magazine (Roger Sinnott & Rick Fienberg), CC BY 3.0