description Patella Overview
Patella was an obsolete constellation proposed by English writer and naturalist John Hill in 1754. Its name means "kneecap" in Latin, but Hill used it to represent a limpet shell in a proposed expansion of the northern sky. The constellation was not adopted by later standard star maps or by the International Astronomical Union, so Patella has no official modern boundaries or recognized status.
help Patella FAQ
What was Patella supposed to represent?
Patella was an obsolete constellation proposed by English writer and naturalist John Hill in 1754. Hill used it to represent a limpet shell, despite the Latin name meaning kneecap.
Why is Patella not on modern star charts?
Later astronomers did not adopt Patella as a standard constellation. It therefore does not appear among the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union.
Who proposed the constellation Patella?
John Hill proposed Patella in 1754. His suggested expansion of the northern sky did not become part of the modern constellation system.
What does the name Patella mean?
Patella is Latin for kneecap. In Hill's proposal, however, the constellation was meant to depict a limpet shell.
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