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Lyra

Quick Facts

Name:Lyra
LYE-ruh
Meaning:Lyre
Abbreviation:Lyr
Genitive:Lyrae
Visible in Latitudes:90° thru -40°
Viewing Season:Summer
Best Seen In:August, 9:00 pm
Transit Date:July 1
Right Ascension:18.84 hours
Declination:36.8 degrees
Area:286.476 sq. degrees

Star Diagram

Star Diagram: Lyra

About Lyra

Lyra, the Harp or Lyre, is best seen in June through October in the Northern Hemisphere.

The Lyre is the instrument invented by Hermes (Mercury) and given to Apollo, his half-brother, who in turn gave it to his son Orpheus, the musician of the Argonauts. In ancient times, the harp was placed in the claws of Aquila, the Eagle.

Named Stars

 
NameStar
VegaAlpha Lyr
SheliakBeta Lyr
SulafatGamma Lyr
AladfarEta Lyr
AlathfarMu Lyr

Messier Objects

 
NameType
M56Globular Cluster
M57Planetary Nebula

Neighboring Constellations

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