Scutum

Scutum

Constellation
List of stars in Scutum
Abbreviation	Sct
Genitive	Scuti
Pronunciation	/ˈskjuːtəm/, genitive /ˈskjuːtaɪ/
Symbolism	the Shield
Right ascension	18h 42m
Declination	−10°
Area	109 sq. deg. (84th)
Main stars	2
Bayer/Flamsteed stars	7
Stars with known planets	0
Bright stars	0
Nearby stars	0
Brightest star	α Scuti (3.85m)
Nearest star	α Scuti (174 ly)
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

Scutum is the only constellation that owes its name to a non-classical historical figure. It was created by Johannes Hevelius in 1684^[1], and originally named it Scutum Sobiescianum (the shield of Sobieski) to commemorate the victory of the Polish forces led by King John 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

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Scutum

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

Coordinates: 18^h 42^m 00^s, −10° 00′ 00″