Lyra

Sidney Hall - Urania's Mirror - Lacerta, Cygnus, Lyra, Vulpecula and Anser

LyraCC

Lyra 2019-12-31

Lyra constellation detail long exposure

Messier 56 HST

Lyra is a small constellation located in the northern sky. Its name is derived from the lyre, a musical instrument with ancient Greek origins, symbolizing the instrument that was played by the mythical Greek god Orpheus. It is one of the 48 constellations listed by the 2nd-century astronomer Ptolemy, and it remains one of the 88 modern constellations recognized today by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

History and Mythology

The constellation Lyra has been associated with music and poetry throughout history, reflecting its mythological significance. According to Greek mythology, the lyre belonged to Orpheus, the musician, poet, and prophet in ancient Greek religion and myth. The lyre was said to produce music so beautiful that it could charm animals, trees, and even inanimate objects, as well as the gods of the underworld, which allowed Orpheus to retrieve his wife Eurydice from the underworld. After his death, Orpheus' lyre was placed in the sky by Zeus as a symbol of his mourning.

Characteristics

Lyra is most notable for containing the bright star Vega, which is one of the brightest stars in the night sky and forms a vertex of the Summer Triangle asterism. Vega serves as a benchmark for calibrating the brightness of other stars, and its proximity to the celestial equator makes it visible from both hemispheres.

The constellation also contains other notable objects, such as the Ring Nebula (M57), a popular target for amateur astronomers, and Epsilon Lyrae, the "Double Double" star, which is a complex multiple star system.

Observation

Lyra is best observed in the Northern Hemisphere during the summer months, when it is high in the sky. Its most recognizable feature, Vega, makes it easy to locate. Observers can find Lyra by looking for the Summer Triangle, which is formed by Vega and the stars Deneb in the constellation Cygnus and Altair in the constellation Aquila.

Scientific Significance

The constellation Lyra has been of interest not only to astronomers studying the stars and celestial objects within its boundaries but also to scientists involved in the search for extraterrestrial life. The vicinity of Vega has been the target of SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) programs, given its relative proximity to Earth and the potential for planets in its habitable zone.

Cultural Impact

Lyra's representation of the lyre, an instrument associated with harmony and poetic inspiration, has made it a symbol of the arts and sciences. Its depiction in star maps and its incorporation into stories and myths reflect humanity's longstanding fascination with the stars and the stories they can tell.

See Also

• Constellation
• Vega
• Orpheus
• Eurydice
• Zeus
• Summer Triangle
• Cygnus
• Aquila
• Ring Nebula
• Epsilon Lyrae