The Sea Goat
| Abbreviation: | Cap |
| Genitive: | Capricorni |
| Origin: | [antiquity] |
| Fully Visible: | 90°S – 62°N |
Capricornus is a member of the zodiac. This is one of the most ancient of constellations, harking back to Babylonia and before. The planet Neptune was discovered near the star δ Cap (Deneb Algedi) on 23 September 1846.
Notable Features
| Visible Named Stars | ||
|---|---|---|
| α² Cap | Algedi | Algedi is a wide double star that is easily visible through binoculars. It sometimes appears as Prima Giedi in older star atlases and catalogues. It also appears as Shimalih Saad al Dzabihh (from the Arabic shamāliy saʿad al‑dhābiḥ meaning 'the northern lucky star of the slaughterer') in Mohammad Al Achsasi Al Mouakket's calendarium and as Gredi in Antonín Bečvář's Atlas of the Heavens — Ⅱ Catalogue 1950.0. |
| β¹ Cap | Dabih | Dabih is another wide double star. It sometimes appears as Dabih Major in older star atlases and catalogues. |
| γ Cap | Nashira | This star sometimes appears as Nashira Prima or Nashira Prior in older star atlases and catalogues. |
| δ Cap | Deneb Algedi | Contrary to expectation, this star is the brightest one in the constellation. It sometimes appears as Nashira Posterior or Scheddi in older star atlases and catalogues. |
| ν Cap | Alshat | This fifth-magnitude star is a binary. |
| Deep Sky Objects | ||
| M30 | This globular cluster is easily seen but not resolved into stars with binoculars or a small telescope. | |
| Meteor Shower Radiants | ||
| 001 Cap | α Capricornids | This minor shower is active throughout July and the first half of August, peaking near the end of July. The parent body of this shower is comet 169P/NEAT. |
Copyright © 1995–2023 by L.M. Stockman and David Harper