Draco

Definition

Draco is a northern circumpolar constellation, known as the Dragon, that wraps around the north celestial pole. It is one of the largest constellations in the night sky and is characterized by its serpentine shape, with a head at one end and a tail at the other.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Draco is one of the 88 modern constellations and is the fifth largest constellation in the night sky.
2. The brightest star in Draco is Etamin, also known as Gamma Draconis, which is a yellow giant star located approximately 154 light-years from Earth.
3. Draco contains several notable deep-sky objects, including the Cat's Eye Nebula, a planetary nebula, and the Spindle Galaxy, a lenticular galaxy.
4. The constellation Draco is associated with the mythological figure of the dragon that guarded the golden apples of the Hesperides in Greek mythology.
5. Draco's position near the north celestial pole means that it is visible throughout the year from most northern hemisphere locations.

Review Questions

• Explain the significance of Draco's location as a circumpolar constellation.
  • As a circumpolar constellation, Draco is always visible in the night sky from most northern hemisphere locations, as it never sets below the horizon. This means that Draco can be observed throughout the year, allowing astronomers and stargazers to study its features and the deep-sky objects it contains consistently. The fact that Draco's stars appear to circle the north celestial pole also makes it a useful reference point for understanding the motion of the stars and the Earth's rotation.
• Describe the connection between Draco and the mythological figure of the dragon.
  • In Greek mythology, Draco is associated with the story of the dragon that guarded the golden apples of the Hesperides. This dragon was slain by the hero Heracles as one of his twelve labors. The serpentine shape of the Draco constellation is thought to be a visual representation of this mythological dragon, with its head and tail visible in the night sky. This connection between the constellation and the mythological figure has contributed to Draco's enduring cultural significance and its place in the rich tapestry of celestial lore.
• Analyze the significance of Draco's notable deep-sky objects, such as the Cat's Eye Nebula and the Spindle Galaxy, in the context of the constellation's properties.
  • The presence of significant deep-sky objects within the boundaries of Draco adds to the scientific and observational value of the constellation. The Cat's Eye Nebula, a planetary nebula, and the Spindle Galaxy, a lenticular galaxy, are both intriguing celestial objects that can be studied to gain insights into the processes of stellar evolution and galaxy formation. The fact that these objects are located within the large and prominent Draco constellation, which is easily recognizable in the night sky, makes them more accessible to amateur and professional astronomers alike. The study of these deep-sky objects, in conjunction with the overall properties of Draco, such as its circumpolar nature and its mythological associations, can provide a more holistic understanding of the constellation and its place in the broader context of the universe.

Related terms

Circumpolar Constellation: A circumpolar constellation is one that never sets below the horizon from a given location, instead appearing to circle the celestial pole continuously throughout the night.

Celestial Pole: The celestial pole is the point in the sky that corresponds to the projection of the Earth's axis of rotation onto the celestial sphere, around which all other stars appear to rotate.

Serpentine Shape: The serpentine shape of Draco refers to its long, winding appearance, resembling a dragon or serpent in the night sky.