Among the circumpolar star clusters can be foundrelatively young constellation Giraffe (Camelopardalis). About him, we now talk. Giraffe - a constellation rather large. It occupies a large area - 756.8 square degrees and consists of 144 dim stars.
And yet, the Giraffe can be seen everynight all year round throughout Russia and some neighboring countries. It is most striking on the frosty nights of January and February. Moreover, to observe it at this time is possible only in an inverted form. In the correct orientation, only the Giraffe constellation can be seen in summer.
How to find it?
Сейчас расскажем.Finding the Giraffe constellation in the sky is not difficult. It is located between Cassiopeia and Ursa Major. From the Polar Star, you need to draw a mental line to the segment connecting the two stars - Capella (α) and Dubha (α Ursa Major). So astronomers find α and β Giraffe. Other neighbors of this constellation are Ursa Minor, Charioteer, Lynx, Perseus, and Dragon.
Occurrence
Giraffe - a constellation that has appeared enoughlong. He is a little over four hundred years old. It was first discovered in 1598 by Peter Plantsius, a Danish astronomer, theologian and cartographer. Much later, in 1624, more accurately the boundaries of the constellation were identified by Jacob Barchius, a German astronomer, mathematician, and doctor. The observations of Danish and Dutch navigators, as well as materials of astronomers Philip Muller from Leipzig and Tycho Brahe from Denmark helped him in this. After the publication of the star atlas, wide astronomical circles became interested in the constellation.
The giraffe at the time was an exotic animal,which the sailors saw, and even that is not all. Barchius remarked that Plantsius implied a camel in his comments, judging by the description. Apparently, as a tribute to the Bible, according to which it was on a camel that Rebecca came to Canaan to Isaac to marry him. Continuing to depict a giraffe on the maps, however, Barch corrected the name of the constellation to "Camel". Therefore, initially the constellation Giraffe and bore the name "Camel". For a short time both names were used. And yet later, the second name - "The Camel" - came out of use and was forgotten.
What attracts astronomers?
Несмотря на тусклость, Жираф – созвездие, которое its mystery attracts many. On a clear sky, without the help of optics, you can see up to 50 stars. Amateur astronomers in this constellation can attract many objects:
- the largest spiral galaxy NGC 2043;
- open cluster NGC 1502;
- asterism - Kembla Cascade - a chain of 20 stars that are not visible to the naked eye;
- α Giraffe - blue supergiant;
- γ Giraffe is a double star;
- and, of course, the brightest double star β Giraffe.
But there is one new dwarf star of the constellationGiraffe - RU, which is equally interested in both professionals and amateurs. The fact is that for a long time it was considered variable and pulsating with a period of 22.055 days, but in 1964 the star made a slight revolution in astronomy, when its amplitude of brightness changes sharply fell, and then, in 1965, it again began to shine brightly and the same. That is, in front of astronomers, it has become permanent. To understand everything that happens with the star RU, amateur astronomers who have joined forces in the world wide web the Internet are very helpful to specialists. By the way, the star Z of the Giraffe - RU can be seen even with the help of binoculars.
Initially, on the site of the Giraffe was the constellation Zeus of Thunder, which in 1575 was proposed by an unknown astronomer. But it did not receive widespread recognition and was eventually forgotten.
Mysterious legend
In Greek mythology, there is a legend asa giraffe appeared. One day Zeus decided to take a break from everyday worries and started a small affair with the sea nymph Caligippa, who lived on the northern coast of Africa. And everything was fine with them, and Hera did not know anything until one loving satyr noticed a nymph hurrying to meet Zeus.
He so wanted to spend time with Caligippa,that he screamed out of his hiding place. Frightened by a sharp sound, the nymph instantly turned into a horse and tried to run away. The satyr chased after her, grabbed her legs and began to pull. Apparently, at this time, Zeus, too, had already appeared on a date, but was still invisible. And he couldn’t think of anything better than how to pull the unfortunate Kaligippu-horse by the head.
As a result, the nymph became a giraffe.Satyr received lightning for not letting Kaligippu on time, Zeus listened to a couple of “sweet” words from his beloved wife Hera, whose attention was attracted by the special effects scuffle from Perun, and the local fauna was replenished with a new kind of inhabitants.
Conclusion
And yet, why was the constellation called “Giraffe”? What is it - a tribute to the first travel to the southern countries or the breath of Greek myths? Nobody will say for sure now.
Now you know that there is a Giraffe constellation.How to find it, we also reviewed. We hope that our information will be useful. And you will remember forever that the Giraffe constellation is located near the North Star.
