Constellations of the Month: March – Lynx:
We start March with the first constellation of the month, Lynx, “The Lynx.”

Lynx constellation map courtesy of Openverse`

Lynx, “The Lynx” – The Lynx constellation is located in the northern hemisphere, and symbolizes the lynx, though it is not commonly linked to any myths. This constellation was one of several introduced by the Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius during the 17th century. Hevelius established Lynx to occupy a significant void between the adjacent constellations of Auriga and Ursa Major. The name Lynx was chosen due to its relatively dim appearance, which requires keen eyesight, akin to that of a lynx, to observe it. Apart from Alpha Lyncis, the constellation lacks stars that exceed the fourth magnitude in brightness.

Hubble Snaps Galaxy With Intriguing Supernova Past courtesy of Openverse

Key points regarding Lynx:

• Meaning: The term “Lynx” translates to “The Lynx” in Latin.
• Notable stars: Alpha Lyncis has an apparent magnitude of 3.13 and is located around 203 light years away from the solar system. It is an orange giant star, classified as K7 III, indicating it has moved past its main sequence stage. Alpha Lyncis is the brightest star in the Lynx constellation and is unique in having a Bayer designation. This star is also known as Elvashak. It has a radius 55 times that of the Sun and is about 673 times more luminous. Alsciaukat is the only star in Lynx with a proper name, meaning “thorn” in Arabic. It can also be referred to as Mabsuthat, which means “the outstretched paw. ” It is similar to Alpha Lyncis, having roughly two solar masses and being approximately 1. 4 billion years old. Alsciaukat is classified as K4.5 III and is the fourth brightest star in Lynx, with a visual magnitude of 4.25 and a distance of around 389 light years. 38 Lyncis is the second brightest star in Lynx with a visual magnitude of 3.82 and is located about 122 light years away. It is a binary star system composed of two close stars. 12 Lyncis, classified as A3V, has an apparent magnitude of 4.86 and is about 229 light years from us. Other stars include 19 Lyncis, a binary star system with a visual magnitude of 5.80; 6 Lyncis, a subgiant with a planet discovered in its orbit; and HD 75898, a yellow subgiant with a planet found in 2007.
• Other features: NGC 2419, known as the Intergalactic Wanderer, is a globular star cluster with a visual magnitude of 9.06 and a Shapley class II categorization, indicating high concentration in the center. Once thought to be outside the Milky Way, it is now known to orbit the galaxy in about three billion years, located 300,000 light years from the galactic center and 275,000 light years from the solar system. Discovered by William Herschel on December 31, 1788, it was later recognized as a globular cluster by Carl Lampland. NGC 2683 is an unbarred spiral galaxy in Lynx, visible nearly edge-on. It has a magnitude of 10. 6, is 25 million light years away, and moves away from Earth at 410 km/s. Discovered by Herschel in February 1788, it has the nickname “UFO galaxy. ” NGC 2500 is a barred spiral galaxy approximately 33 million light years away with a magnitude of 12. 2, also discovered by Herschel in 1788. NGC 2537 is a blue compact dwarf galaxy with a magnitude of 12.3 that contains clusters of young stars. NGC 2770 is a spiral galaxy with a magnitude of 12.0, located 88 million light years away, and known as the “Supernova Factory” for having three observed supernova events. NGC 2541 is an unbarred spiral galaxy with a magnitude of 12.3, about 41 million light years from the Sun, and part of the NGC 2841 group, which includes NGC 2537.
• Mythology: Not really mythology, but Hevelius named the constellation Lynx because it is faint, stating in his book that only those with the sight of a lynx can see it. This unfinished work was published by his wife around 1690 after his death. In the star catalogue, he referred to the constellation as “Lynx, sive Tigris” – Lynx or Tiger. While it’s unclear if Hevelius had any myths in mind, the mythological figure Lynceus, known for his exceptional eyesight, may be linked to the name. He was a member of the Argonauts seeking the Golden Fleece. Some stars in Lynx were noted by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the 2^nd century as “unformed” stars near Ursa Major but were not part of a defined constellation.
• Visibility: Lynx is the 28^th largest constellation, covering 545 square degrees, and is located in the northern hemisphere, visible from latitudes +90° to -55°. It is bordered by the constellations Auriga, Camelopardalis, Cancer, Gemini, Leo, Leo Minor, and Ursa Major. The name Lynx is pronounced /ˈlɪŋks/, with the genitive form being Lyncis and the abbreviation Lyn. Part of the Ursa Major family, Lynx has five stars with known planets and no Messier objects. The brightest star is Alpha Lyncis, with a magnitude of 3.13. Lynx has five named stars: Absolutno, Alsciaukat, Gloas, Koit, and Stribor.

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Constellations:

Sidney Hall’s (1831) astronomical chart illustration of Lynx and the Telescopium Herschilii. Original from Library of Congress. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel. courtesy of Openverse

Constellations of the Month:
March – Lynx

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