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Lyra (IPA: , ) is one of the 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy, and is one of the 88 modern constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union. Lyra is a small constellation, but its principal star, Vega, is one of the brightest in the sky. Vega forms a vertex of the Summer Triangle asterism. Lyra took its name from the stringed musical instrument well known for its use in Classical Antiquity and still in some areas of Greece. According to ancient Greek mythology, the young god Hermes created the lyre from the body of a large tortoise shell (khelus) which he covered with animal hide and antelope horns. Lyres were associated with Apollonian virtues of moderation and equilibrium, contrasting the Dionysian pipes which represented ecstasy and celebration. Beginning at the north, Lyra is surrounded by the Dragon Draco, the Greek hero Hercules, the Little Fox Vulpecula and Cygnus the swan.
Notable features Here are some of Lyra's brighter stars: Notable deep sky objects Mythology Older maps of the sky show a bird, especially a vulture (Vultur cadens), in this position, since in early times the constellation and its stars, were taken to resemble one. * As such, together with other constellations in the Zodiacal sign of Sagittarius (specifically, Cygnus, Aquila and Sagittarius itself), Lyra may be a significant part of the origin of the myth of the Stymphalian Birds, one of The Twelve Labours of Herakles. By taking into account nearly parallel lines of fainter stars in the centre of the constellation, it appears to resemble a lyre, and consequently Lyra gradually shifted from being considered a vulture to being considered a lyre; for a while, it was even regarded as a vulture holding a lyre. Associated with its identity as a lyre, Lyra was considered to be the lyre used by Orpheus to produce music that charmed even Hades, and which was placed into the stars upon his death. Popular culture Stars Stars with proper names:
Stars with Bayer designations: 11/δ1 Lyr 5.58; 12/δ2 Lyr 4.22; 6/ζ1 Lyr 4.34; 7/ζ2 Lyr 5.73; 21/θ Lyr 4.35; 18/ι Lyr 5.25; 1/κ Lyr 4.33; 15/λ Lyr 4.94; 9/ν Lyr 5.22; 8/ν1 Lyr 5.93 Stars with Flamsteed designations: 13/R Lyr 4.20 – variable; 16 Lyr 5.00; 17 Lyr 5.20; 19 Lyr 5.93 Other notable stars:
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