SCUTUM

:''For the Roman shield, see scutum (shield); ''
:''For the zootomical term, see scute.''

'Scutum' (, ) is a small constellation, one of the 88 modern constellations.
It is one of the few constellations (with Coma Berenices) that owes its name to an historical figure.
The original name 'Scutum Sobiescianum' (Sobieski's Shield) was introduced in late 1683 by Hevelius as commemoration of the victory of the Christian forces led by Polish king and hero John III Sobieski in the battle of Vienna.

Contents

Notable features

Notable deep sky objects

Mythology

Reference

External links

Notable features

With an area of 109 square degrees, Scutum is the fifth smallest of the 88 modern constellations. It has few bright stars; the brightest star, α Scuti, has a magnitude of 3.85. The Milky Way runs through the constellation, and the Scutum star cloud can be found in the northeastern corner of the constellation.

Notable deep sky objects

Scutum contains several open clusters, as well as a
globular cluster and a planetary nebula.
The two best known deep sky objects in Scutum are
M11 (NGC 6705), the Wild Duck Cluster, a dense open cluster, and
M26, another open cluster also known as NGC 6694.
The globular cluster NGC 6712 and the planetary nebula IC 1295
can be found in the eastern part of the constellation, only 24 arcminutes
apart.

Mythology

Being a modern constellation, Scutum has no mythology associated with it.
It was designed to represent Janina Coat of Arms of Polish king Jan III Sobieski with cross of Jesus Christ.

Reference

★ Ian Ridpath and Wil Tirion (2007). ''Collins Stars and Planets Guide'', HarperCollins, London. ISBN 978-0007251209.

External links

★ The Deep Photographic Guide to the Constellations: Scutum

★ Star Tales – Scutum