Constellation The Swan

Cygnus (The Swan): gift, map and visability

  • Meaning: The Swan
  • Best seen in: September
  • Family: Hercules
  • Latitude: +90° to -40°

Cygnus or The Swan is one of the 88 constellations modern astronomers have divided the sky into. It's part of the Hercules constellation family. Cygnus is best seen in September (from latitudes +90° to -40°).

A popular name for Cygnus is the Northern Cross. The wings of the swan span the Milky Way at a location packed with stars. It has 17 main stars and its brightest star Deneb, shines 60,000 times brighter than the Sun. Deneb marks the tail of the swan. In Greek Mythology Zeus turned into a swan to pursue Queen Leda from Sparta. Another myth represents Cygnus, who was placed in the sky for not honoring Dionysus.

Cygnus Constellation Map

Cygnus Constellation Map
Cygnus icon

Main Stars in The Swan (Cygnus)

The constellation Cygnus contains several bright stars that make up its shape. Some of these main stars are known as:

  • Deneb
  • Sadr
  • Gienah
  • Rukh
  • Albireo
  • Zeta Cygni
  • Gliese 777

Some of the deep sky objects which have been discovered in Cygnus include: Messier 29, Messier 39, Fireworks Galaxy, Cygnus X-1, North America Nebula, Pelican Nebula, Crescent Nebula.

You can now name your own star in the constellation of Cygnus in just a few clicks. Name the star, view it in 3D and look it up with the OSR Star Finder App!

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88 constellations: Find out more about each of the 88 constellations and the 12 zodiacs!
Constellation facts about Cygnus

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