Sagittarius
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.
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] [1]
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 centre 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.
\nAstrology
\nThe 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). Its polar opposite is Gemini.
Category:Constellations
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