Phoenix (constellation)
Phoenix is a minor constellation in the southern sky. It is named after the Phoenix, a mythical bird. The constellation stretches from roughly −39° to −57° declination, and from 23.5h to 2.5h of right ascension. The brightest star, Alpha Phoenicis is named Ankaa, an Arabic word meaning 'the Phoenix'. It is an orange giant of apparent magnitude 2.4. Next is Beta Phoenicis, actually a binary system composed of two yellow giants with a combined apparent magnitude of 3.3. The constellation boasts several stars with planets, and the recently discovered Phoenix galaxy cluster – one of the largest objects in the universe.
Read more about Phoenix (constellation): Characteristics, Notable Features, History
Famous quotes containing the word phoenix:
“And there’s a score of duchesses, surpassing womankind,
Or who have found a painter to make them so for pay
And smooth out stain and blemish with the elegance of his mind:
I knew a phoenix in my youth, so let them have their day.”
—William Butler Yeats (1865–1939)