Auriga is one of the
88 modern constellations. Located north of the
celestial equator, its name is the
Latin word for "
charioteer", associating it with various mythological charioteers, including
Erichthonius and
Myrtilus. This large constellation, with an area of 657 square degrees, includes stars such as the bright
Capella and the much-studied
Epsilon Aurigae.
Auriga is shown here as depicted in Urania's Mirror, a set of constellation cards published in London in about 1825.Illustration: Sidney Hall; restoration: Adam Cuerden
Auriga is one of the
88 modern constellations. Located north of the
celestial equator, its name is the
Latin word for "
charioteer", associating it with various mythological charioteers, including
Erichthonius and
Myrtilus. This large constellation, with an area of 657 square degrees, includes stars such as the bright
Capella and the much-studied
Epsilon Aurigae.
Auriga is shown here as depicted in Urania's Mirror, a set of constellation cards published in London in about 1825.Illustration: Sidney Hall; restoration: Adam Cuerden