description Lyra Overview
Lyra is a small constellation in the northern celestial hemisphere that was cataloged by the astronomer Ptolemy in the 2nd century. It represents the lyre of the Greek mythological musician Orpheus. The constellation is distinguished by its brightest star, Vega, which is the fifth brightest star in the night sky and forms part of the Summer Triangle asterism. Lyra is also home to the Ring Nebula, a well-known planetary nebula.
help Lyra FAQ
How can you find Lyra using Vega?
Vega is Lyra's brightest star and one of the three stars forming the Summer Triangle with Deneb and Altair. Once Vega is located, four fainter stars nearby outline the constellation's small lyre-shaped figure.
What is the famous Ring Nebula in Lyra?
The Ring Nebula, Messier 57, is a planetary nebula located between the stars Beta and Gamma Lyrae. It formed from gas expelled by a dying Sun-like star and appears as a small smoke-ring shape through a telescope.
Why does Lyra represent the instrument of Orpheus?
In Greek mythology, Lyra represents the lyre played by the musician Orpheus. The constellation was included among the 48 constellations cataloged by Ptolemy in the 2nd century.
What is unusual about Epsilon Lyrae near Vega?
Epsilon Lyrae is commonly called the Double Double because binoculars reveal two principal stars and a telescope resolves each of those into another pair. The system lies close to Vega and is a popular test of small-telescope resolution.
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