Lynx (constellation)
No
- Giraffe
- Carter
- Gemini
- Cancer
- (Lion)
- Little Lion
- Big Dipper
The lynx (from Greek λύγξ, Latinized Lynx ) is an inconspicuous constellation of the northern sky.
Description
The lynx is a chain of faint stars. Only the brightest, α Lyncis, reached the third size class. He is also the only star of the constellation, which was designated by a Greek letter. The remaining stars are generally indicated by their Flamsteed numbers. In the sky, the lynx is difficult to discern. It is located in a relatively star- poor region between the Great Bear and the twins. The northern part of the lynx is circumpolar.
History
The constellation was introduced by the Danzig astronomer Johannes Hevelius in the sky and was first published in 1690 in his sky atlas. When John Flamsteed beginning of the 18th century, the star numbered, yet there were no well-defined constellation borders. These were laid down in 1930 by the IAU. In this case, some stars that were too far away from the original constellation, were assigned new constellations. Therefore, the star 10 Uma (Ursa Majoris = Great Bear ) is now at the Lynx. Conversely, is 41 Lyncis in the Great Bear.
Celestial objects
Stars
α Lyncis is 170 light years distant red giant of spectral type K9 III.
Double stars
15 Lyn is a quadruple system. The two brightest components - A ( 4.45 m ) and B (5.50 m) -. Should be separated only in a large telescope, distance 0.6 "(2009) two weaker components, C ( 12.20 m ) and D ( 10.74 m), 39.8 "or 186.6 " from the Hauptkomponenete.
38 Lyncis is a double star system in some 120 light years away. The two components are separated by 2.7 arc seconds and can be dissolved in a small telescope so already.
NGC objects
The lynx is located 10 million light-years distant galaxy NGC 2683rd In smaller telescopes, it appears as a misty spot. In larger telescopes dust structures become visible.