Constellation Monoceros (Unicorn)

Properties

Monoceros is an inconspicuous constellation surrounded by conspicuous constellations like Gemini in the north, Orion in the west and Canis Maior in the south. The band of the Milky Way runs across the constellation and supplies it with a multitude of open star clusters and bright, diffuse nebulae - including the star cluster of the Rosette Nebula, which can be seen with the naked eye. The constellation area is 482 square degrees and the center culminates around midnight on January 5th. ^{[9, 15]}

Deep-Sky Object Descriptions

History

Although unicorns play an essential role in numerous legends and fables, this constellation was not yet known in ancient times. It was included in his star map by Kepler's son-in-law, the mathematician Jakob Bartsch, in 1624 after it had been used sporadically beforehand. ^[7] Others attribute this constellation to Johannes Hevelius, who is said to have drawn it a few decades later, in 1690. ^[21]