Sagittarius

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Sagittarius
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Abbreviation	Sgr
Genitive	Sagitarii
Meaning in English	the Archer
Right ascension	19 h
Declination	−25°
Visible to latitude	Between 55° and −90°
Best visible	August
Area - Total	Ranked 15th 867 sq. deg.
Number of stars with apparent magnitude < 3	5
Brightest star - Apparent magnitude	Kaus Australis (ε Oph) 1.9
Meteor showers	none
Bordering constellations	Aquila Scutum Ophiuchus Scorpius Corona Australis Telescopium Microscopium Capricornus

Sagittarius (the archer) is a constellation of the zodiac, commonly depicted as a centaur drawing a bow. Sagittarius lies between Scorpius to the west and Capricornus to the east. Its brighter stars form an easily recognizable teapot shape.

Table of contents

1 Notable features

2 Notable deep-sky objects

3 Mythology

3.1 Astrology

Notable features

The constellation is easily recognizable through an asterism called the Teapot. The stars Kaus Media (δ), Kaus Australis (ε), Ascella (ζ), and φ Sagitarii form the body of the pot; Kaus Borealis (λ) is the point of the lid; Alnasl (γ) is the tip of the spout; and Nunki (σ) and τ Sagitarii the handle. [1] (http://deepsky.astroinfo.org/Sgr/) [2] (http://www.flandrau.org/astronomy/skywatchers/picupclose.php?picid=89)

The α star, Rukbat, is nowhere near the brightest star of the constellation, having a magnitude of only 4.0.

Notable deep-sky objects

The Milky Way is at its densest as it passes through Sagittarius, as this is where the galactic center lies. Consequently, Sagittarius contains many star clusters and nebulae. One of the brightest of the star clusters is M55, about 7.5° west of δ Sgr.

The constellation contains nebulae such as the Lagoon Nebula (M8), near λ Sagitarii, beautiful in telescopes; the Omega, Swan, or Horseshoe Nebula (M17), near the border with Scutum; and the Trifid Nebula (M20), a large nebula containing some very young, hot stars.

The complex radio source Sagittarius A associated with the galactic centre is also here. Astronomers believe that Sagittarius A may contain a supermassive black hole.

Mythology

In Greek mythology, Sagittarius was the centaur Chiron, aiming his bow at the Scorpion.

Astrology

The astrological sign Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) is associated with the constellation.

In some cosmologies, Sagittarius is associated with the classical element Fire, and thus called a Fire Sign (with Aries and Leo). It is also one of the four Mutable signs (along with Gemini, Libra, and Pisces). Its polar opposite is Gemini. Each astrological sign is assigned a part of the body, viewed as the seat of its power. Sagittarius rules the hips and thighs. The symbol for Sagittarius is the centaur. Sagittarian qualities include an unshakeable devotion to the concept and practice of truth, a hearty sense of adventure, a love of variety and difference, an affable extroverted nature, and a drive to explore.

Astronomy | Constellations of the Zodiac | Astrology

Aries (♈) Taurus (♉) Gemini (♊) Cancer (♋) Leo (♌) Virgo (♍) Libra (♎) Scorpius/Scorpio (♏) Ophiuchus Sagittarius (♐) Capricornus/Capricorn (♑) Aquarius (♒) Pisces (♓)