Aquarius (constellation)
Aquarius is an equatorial constellation of the zodiac, between Capricornus and Pisces. Its name is Latin for "water-carrier" or "cup-carrier", and its old astronomical symbol is (♒︎), a representation of water. Aquarius is one of the oldest of the recognized constellations along the zodiac (the Sun's apparent path). It was one of the 48 constellations listed by the 2nd century astronomer Ptolemy, and it remains one of the 88 modern constellations. It is found in a region often called the Sea due to its profusion of constellations with watery associations such as Cetus the whale, Pisces the fish, and Eridanus the river.
| Constellation | |
| Abbreviation | Aqr |
|---|---|
| Genitive | Aquarii |
| Pronunciation | /əˈkwɛəriəs/, genitive /əˈkwɛəriaɪ/ |
| Symbolism | the Water-Bearer |
| Right ascension | 20h 38m 19.1706s–23h 56m 23.5355s |
| Declination | 03.3256676°–−24.9040413° |
| Area | 980 sq. deg. (10th) |
| Main stars | 10, 22 |
| Bayer/Flamsteed stars | 97 |
| Stars with planets | 12 |
| Stars brighter than 3.00m | 2 |
| Stars within 10.00 pc (32.62 ly) | 7 |
| Brightest star | β Aqr (Sadalsuud) (2.91m) |
| Messier objects | 3 |
| Meteor showers | March Aquariids Eta Aquariids Delta Aquariids Iota Aquariids |
| Bordering constellations | Pisces Pegasus Equuleus Delphinus Aquila Capricornus Piscis Austrinus Sculptor Cetus |
| Visible at latitudes between +65° and −90°. Best visible at 21:00 (9 p.m.) during the month of October. | |
At apparent magnitude 2.9, Beta Aquarii is the brightest star in the constellation.
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