Vulpecula, meaning "the little fox" in Latin, is a faint constellation in the northern sky. It was introduced by the Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius in the 17th century. Despite its relatively dim appearance, Vulpecula is an interesting constellation with a few noteworthy features.
Key Features
Vulpecula is a small constellation, ranking 55th in size among the 88 constellations. It is not particularly prominent in the night sky, but it does contain some interesting astronomical objects, including the famous Dumbbell Nebula (M27), which is one of the brightest planetary nebulae visible from Earth.
Another key feature of Vulpecula is the presence of the star system 23 Vulpeculae, which is a binary star system, as well as the deep sky object Brocchi's Cluster, also known as the Coathanger asterism, which is a popular target for amateur astronomers.
Mythology
Vulpecula does not have any ancient myths associated with it, as it was a later addition to the constellations by Johannes Hevelius in 1687. He originally named it "Vulpecula cum Ansere," meaning "little fox with the goose," depicting a fox carrying a goose in its mouth. Over time, the goose was dropped, and the constellation became simply Vulpecula.
Notable Stars
Vulpecula does not contain any particularly bright stars. The brightest star in the constellation is Alpha Vulpeculae, which has a magnitude of about 4.4. Another notable star is Anser, named after the goose in the original depiction by Hevelius. Anser is a red giant star located approximately 297 light-years away from Earth.
Visibility
Vulpecula is best observed in the summer months, particularly in July and August, when it is highest in the sky. It is located in the northern celestial hemisphere and can be seen from most places in the Northern Hemisphere, lying between the constellations Cygnus and Sagitta. Observers in the Southern Hemisphere can also see Vulpecula, though it will appear lower on the horizon.
Tips for Observing
Due to its faintness, Vulpecula can be challenging to observe with the naked eye. It is best viewed with a pair of binoculars or a small telescope. Look for the constellation between Cygnus and Sagitta in a dark sky away from city lights. The Dumbbell Nebula (M27) is the highlight of the constellation and can be seen with binoculars or a telescope, appearing as a faint, fuzzy patch of light. The Coathanger asterism is another interesting target within Vulpecula, easily observed through binoculars.