Constellation of Aquarius: position in the sky and interesting objects

In the night sky, there are patterns that it is very difficult to consider when in the city. Their elements are located very far from the Earth or they emit so little light that they can only be seen at a clear night, standing in a clear field, to which artificial lighting does not reach . Among such heavenly drawings is the constellation Aquarius.

Observation

In the city, especially in the northern latitudes, it is not easy to find it in the sky, although it is possible. The best time to observe is summer. A landmark for the search is the well-marked constellation Pegasus, immediately below which is the Aquarius. Its silhouette in the south of the country is more expressive.

The constellation of Aquarius in the sky can be recognized by the more or less bright asterism of the Pitcher relating to it. It is formed by five luminaries visually creating an inverted Y with the Aquarius Zod in the middle.

Myths

Constellation Aquarius is not covered with legends. The reason for this lies in the relative dimness of its elements. However, several mythological subjects with him are still connected. In Ancient Greece Aquarius was associated with Ganymede, who was called to Olympus by Zeus. A handsome young man was to serve as a cupbearer under the gods. In return, the thunderer promised immortality to Ganymede. In the plans of Zeus, Hera interfered, not wishing to see the young man among his associates. As a result, the promised immortality Ganymede has become a constellation. And to this day he pours wine from a jug.

Aquarius was associated with the legend of the flood, and also served as a harbinger of irrigation works.

The brightest

Despite some inexpressiveness, the constellation of Aquarius, the stars and other cosmic objects that make up its structure are worthy of attention. Most of all, there are alpha and beta constellations with their own names: Sadalmelik and Sadalsuud, respectively. The brightest is the second star. Beta Aquarius is 600 light-years away from the Earth. By mass, it is 6 times greater than the Sun, and by diameter - in 50. Luminosity of Sadalsuud is more than the similar parameter of our luminary in 2200 times. However, from Earth, Beta Aquarius seems brighter than Alpha only because of the smaller distance separating the two cosmic objects.

Another feature of Sadalsuud is clearly visible in the telescope. It is a system of three components.

Mysterious

Sadalmelik is a star who does not hurry to reveal his secrets to astronomers. It has a luminosity and a diameter of 3 thousand and 60 times, respectively, exceeding the analogous parameters of the Sun. The obtained measurements make it possible to assume that the alpha of Aquarius is nearing the end of its existence. According to the accumulated data, luminaries with similar characteristics, as a rule, are variables of the Cetheus delta type. However, in practice Sadalmelik to this class can not be attributed. And this is one of its main mysteries: the reasons why the "behavior" of the star does not agree with the theory and previously obtained information about similar objects are incomprehensible.

Scientists attributed the alpha of Aquarius to the type of hybrid stars. The temperature of the surface of Sadalmelik is close to that of the sun, therefore, taking into account other characteristics, it must have the same corona as observed by our luminary during the days of total eclipse. Similar in temperature, but with a greater brightness of the star, such decoration does not. Their magnetic field causes a strong circumstellar wind, much colder than the surface. Sadalmelik, again deviating from the theory, has both a crown and a wind.

Symbiotic variable

Constellation Aquarius is distinguished by several objects of great interest for science. One of them is R Aquarius, a variable star, located at a distance of 650 light years from the Sun. Changes in its brilliance were noticed back in the 19th century. Today the luminary is referred to as symbiotic variables. R Aquarius is a system of two stars that are very different in their characteristics: the red giant and the white dwarf, "cooperating" with each other, like the organisms that make up biological symbiosis.

The red giant has such a huge diameter that the outer part of its atmosphere slowly flows into the surrounding space. Impressive dimensions lead to yet another consequence. The gas shell of the giant flows to the neighboring white dwarf. Part of the received substance accumulates on the surface of a small companion. When its temperature and density have reached a certain critical value, the attracted substance will explode. The white dwarf will not be damaged.

Two objects are surrounded by a nebula, which is the remains of a newly exploding star. Although many oddities found an explanation, Aquarius R remains a mysterious object. The causes of certain features of the light curve of the star are still not found.

Snail and Saturn

The nebula surrounding R Aquarius is not the only one in the constellation. In the southern part of the island an object is identified, designated as NGC 7293 or the Snail Nebula (also known as Helix). It is closest to us among all such cosmic formations.

Constellation of Aquarius (photo object is shown below) can boast another beautiful nebula. It is called Saturn or NGC 7009. Indeed, in pictures taken from a certain distance, the silhouette of the object resembles the gas giant of the solar system.

Constellation of Aquarius within its borders "contains" also a beautiful globular cluster of M2, in size superior to many similar objects. There is also a scattered congestion here.

Although Aquarius - a dim heavenly figure, it is worthy of the significance that gives it astronomy. Constellations like him are not just noticed in the sky, but when they are studied through a telescope, amazing secrets and beauty of the universe are revealed.