Among the circumpolar star clusters, one can find the relatively young constellation Giraffe (Camelopardalis). It is about him that we will talk now. The giraffe is a large enough constellation. It occupies a large area - 756.8 square degrees and consists of 144 dim stars.
Nevertheless, the Giraffe can be observed every night year-round throughout Russia and some neighboring countries. It is most striking in the frosty nights of January and February. Moreover, to observe it at this time can only be upside down. In the correct orientation, only in the summer is the constellation Giraffe visible.
How to find him?
Now we will tell. Finding the Giraffe constellation in the sky is not difficult. It is located between Cassiopeia and Ursa Major. From the North Star you need to draw a line of thought to the segment connecting the two stars - the Chapel (α of the Ascendant) and Dubhe (α of the Big Dipper). So astronomers find α and β Giraffe. Other neighbors of this constellation are Ursa Minor, Charioteer, Lynx, Perseus and the Dragon.
Occurrence
Giraffe is a constellation that appeared long enough. He is a little over four hundred years old. It was first discovered in 1598 by Peter Planzius, a Danish astronomer, theologian and cartographer. Much later, in 1624, Jacob Barchius, a German astronomer, mathematician, and doctor, determined the boundaries of the constellation more precisely. In this he was helped by the observations of Danish and Dutch mariners, as well as the materials of astronomers Philippe Mueller from Leipzig and Tycho Brahe from Denmark. After the publication of the star atlas, wide astronomical circles became interested in the constellation.
The giraffe at that time was an exotic animal that sailors saw, and even then not all. Barchius noted that Plantsius, in his comments, judging by the description, meant a camel. Apparently, as a tribute to the Bible, according to which it was on a camel that Rebecca appeared in Canaan to Isaac to marry him. Continuing to depict a giraffe on maps, however, Barch corrected the name of the constellation to “Camel”. Therefore, the original constellation of the Giraffe was called “Camel”. For a short time both names were used. And yet later, the second name - "Camel" - went out of use and was forgotten.
What attracts astronomers?
Despite the dullness, the Giraffe is a constellation that attracts many with its mystery. In a clear sky, without the help of optics, you can see up to 50 stars. Amateur astronomers of deep space 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 is a 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 constellation Giraffe - RU, which is equally interested in both experts and amateurs. The fact is that for a long time it was considered variable and pulsating with a period of 22,055 days, but back in 1964 the star made a small revolution in astronomy, when its amplitude of brightness change dropped sharply, and then, in 1965, it again began to shine brightly and equally. That is, in front of astronomers, she became constant. In order to understand everything that happens with the RU star, amateur astronomers who have joined forces on the World Wide Web are very helpful to specialists. By the way, the star Z Giraffe - RU can be seen even with binoculars.
Initially, at the place of the Giraffe, there was a constellation of Zeus the Thunderer, which in 1575 was proposed by an unknown astronomer. But it did not receive wide recognition and was forgotten over time.
Mysterious legend
In Greek mythology, there is a legend about how a giraffe appeared. Once Zeus decided to take a break from everyday worries and made 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 the harsh sound, the nymph instantly turned into a horse and tried to escape. A satyr chased after her, grabbed his legs and began to pull. Apparently, at this time, Zeus also appeared on a date, but was still invisible. And he could not think of anything better than how to pull the unfortunate Caligippus horse by the head.
As a result, the nymph turned into a giraffe. Satyr received lightning for not letting go of Caligippus in time, Zeus heard a couple of “affectionate” words from Hera's beloved wife, whose attention was attracted by a brawl with special effects from Perun, and the local fauna was replenished with a new look of inhabitants.
Conclusion
And yet, why did they call the constellation “Giraffe”? What is it - a tribute to the first trips to the southern countries or the spirit of Greek myths? Now for sure no one will say.
Now you know that there is a constellation of Giraffe. How to find it, we also examined. We hope that our information will be useful. And you will forever remember that the constellation Giraffe is located at the polar star.