Pegasus

Pegasus, the celestial winged horse of Greek mythology, graces the northern sky as a prominent constellation. Nestled among other notable star groupings like Andromeda and Cygnus, Pegasus stands out with its distinctive shape, easily recognized as a large square or diamond. Positioned favorably in the northern celestial hemisphere, this constellation remains visible from latitudes ranging between +90° and -60°, captivating observers with its celestial wonders.

Stars

The constellation Pegasus boasts several notable stars, with Alpha Pegasi (Markab) shining as its brightest luminary, although its brightness may vary. Markab, an integral part of the Great Square of Pegasus, shares prominence with other key stars like Beta Pegasi (Scheat) and Gamma Pegasi (Algenib), forming the corners of this recognizable square pattern. Among these stars, Epsilon Pegasi (Enif) stands out as a supergiant, marking the horse's mythological nose.

History

In Greek mythology, Pegasus held a storied place, being the divine creature born from the blood of the slain Medusa. A symbol of heroism and adventure, Pegasus aided the hero Bellerophon in various legendary quests, including the fabled slaying of the Chimera.

Objects

Deep-sky objects like the globular cluster Messier 15 (M15) and the spiral galaxy NGC 7331, also known as the "Deer Lick Galaxy," reside within Pegasus.

Meteor Showers

Moreover, the Pegasids meteor shower, occurring in July and August, emanates from the Pegasus constellation. Although considered a minor meteor shower with a low meteor rate, its radiance from this celestial region adds to the allure of Pegasus for skywatchers and astronomers.