Being the 22nd largest constellation in the celestial world, Aquila Constellation has garnered a lot of attention. Though it doesn’t comprise of a large number of galaxies, it includes many distinct clusters and nebulae.
Aquila is a constellation mainly known for the intergalactic object that it contains: Hercules-Corona Borealis Great Wall. This is possibly the largest single mass concentration of galaxies to exist in the entire universe.
History of Aquila Constellation
Aquila was first discovered with the Aquarius by Ptolemy in the 2nd Century.
What is the English name for Aquila Constellation?
The English name for this constellation is “the Eagle”. It has been translated from Latin.
What is the Greek mythological significance of Aquila Constellation?
In Greek Mythology, Aquila is the eagle that carried the Trojan boy, Ganymede, who was desired by the Zeus to the Olympus to serve as the cupbearer to the gods. He also carried the thunderbolts of Zeus. You can read about Ganymede, which is identified as the Aquarius Constellation.
In other stories too, Aquila has great significance. This eagle protected the arrow of Eros, which is depicted by the Sagitta constellation and it made Zeus love-struck.
In yet another story, it is believed that the eagle, Aquila, was an Aphrodite who had disguised itself so it can take the form of a swan and then peruse Zeus. This would compel him to seek shelter with goddess Nemesis, who was the love interest of Zeus. Then Zeus, sketched the image of both the swan and eagle to remember the event.
The brightest star in this constellation is Altair, and its name is derived from the Arabic word Al-Nasar Al-Ta’ir, which means the “vulture” or “flying eagle”. In the 2nd Century, the Greek astronomer, Ptolemy named this star “Aetus” which in Altin meant “eagle”. The Sumerians and Babylonians referred to Altair as “the eagle star”.
How to Find Aquila Constellation?
You can easily find Aquila if you locate the famous constellations around it.
- If you locate the Cygnus, the swan constellation which is roughly shaped like a cross pattern made out of stars then you can find the Aquila constellation right adjacent to it.
- You can see the Cygnus stars flying down towards the Aquia Stars which appear to be in a plus sign in the milky way galaxy.
What is the Area of Aquila Constellation?
This large constellation occupies an area of 652 square degrees in the sky.
What Quadrant is Aquila Constellation in?
This constellation is located in the fourth quadrant of the northern hemisphere or NA4.
What Latitudes is Aquila Constellation visible in?
You can easily view the Aquila constellation between the latitudes +90° and -75°.
What Type of Telescope is Best for Viewing Aquila Constellation?
You can easily view the Aquila constellation because of its large size and the bright stars it comprises of. You can locate Atelier with a set of Binoculars on a day when the sky is dark. To look more clearly and identify the details, you must use a telescope of aperture higher than 3-4 inches.
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