Scutum (constellation)

For the Roman shield, see scutum (shield). For the zootomical term, see scute.

Scutum

Constellation
List of stars in Scutum
Abbreviation	Sct
Genitive	Scuti
Pronunciation	Template:IPA-en, genitive /ˈskjuːtaɪ/
Symbolism	the Shield
Right ascension	18.7
Declination	−10
Quadrant	SQ4
Area	109 sq. deg. (84th)
Main stars	2
Bayer/Flamsteed stars	idk
Stars with planets	1
Stars brighter than 3.00m	0
Stars within 10.00 pc (32.62 ly)	0
Brightest star	α Scuti (3.85m)
Messier objects	2
Meteor showers	June Scutids
Bordering constellations	Aquila Sagittarius Serpens Cauda
Visible at latitudes between +80° and −90°. Best visible at 21:00 (9 p.m.) during the month of August.

Scutum is a small constellation introduced in the seventeenth century. Its name is Latin for shield.

History

Scutum Sobiescianum Firmamentum Sobiescianum sive Uranographia 1690

The shield of Sobieski - heraldry

Scutum is the only constellation that owes its name to a non-classical historical figure. It was created in 1684 by Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius (Jan Heweliusz), who originally named it Scutum Sobiescianum (Shield of Sobieski) to commemorate the victory of the Polish forces led by King John III Sobieski (Jan III Sobieski) in the Battle of Vienna in 1683. Later, the name was shortened to Scutum.

Notable features

Scutum contains several open clusters, as well as a globular cluster and a planetary nebula. The two best known deep sky objects in Scutum are M11 (NGC 6705), the Wild Duck Cluster, a dense open cluster, and M26, another open cluster also known as NGC 6694. The globular cluster NGC 6712 and the planetary nebula IC 1295 can be found in the eastern part of the constellation, only 24 arcminutes apart.

References

• Ian Ridpath and Wil Tirion (2007). Stars and Planets Guide, Collins, London. ISBN 978-0007251209. Princeton University Press, Princeton. ISBN 978-0691135564.

External links

• The Deep Photographic Guide to the Constellations: Scutum
• Star Tales – Scutum