View source for Aquila (constellation)

{{Infobox Constellation|
name = Aquila |
abbreviation = Aql |
genitive = Aquilae |
pronounce = {{IPA-en|ˈækwɨlə|}} ''Áquila,'' occasionally {{IPA-en|əˈkwɪlə|}}; genitive {{IPA|/ˈækwɨliː/}} |
symbolism = the [[Eagle]] |
RA = 20 |
dec= +5 |
family = [[Hercules Family|Hercules]] |
quadrant = NQ4 |
areatotal = 652 |
arearank = 22nd |
numbermainstars = 8 |
numberbfstars = 65 |
numberstarsplanets = 7 |
numberbrightstars = 3 |
numbernearbystars = 2 |
brighteststarname = [[Altair (star)|Altair]] (α Aql) |
starmagnitude = 0.77 |
neareststarname = [[Altair]] (α Aql) |
stardistancely = 16.77 |
stardistancepc = 5.13 |
numbermessierobjects = 0 |
meteorshowers =[[June Aquilids]]<br /> [[Epsilon Aquilids]] |
bordering =[[Sagitta]]<br /> [[Hercules (constellation)|Hercules]]<br /> [[Ophiuchus]]<br /> [[Serpens|Serpens Cauda]]<br /> [[Scutum]]<br /> [[Sagittarius (constellation)|Sagittarius]]<br /> [[Capricornus]]<br /> [[Aquarius (constellation)|Aquarius]]<br /> [[Delphinus (constellation)|Delphinus]] |
latmax = [[90th parallel north|90]] |
latmin = [[75th parallel south|75]] |
month = August |
notes=}}
'''Aquila''' is a [[constellation]]. The name means '[[eagle]]' in Latin.  It is one of the 88 constellations [[definition|defined]] by the [[International Astronomical Union]].


Aquila is just a few degrees North of the [[celestial equator]]. The constellation is best seen in the summer as it is along the [[Milky Way]]. Because of this location along the line of our galaxy, many clusters and [[planetary nebula|nebulae]] are within its borders. However, they are dim and there are not many galaxies.

Aquila is normally shown as an eagle.

==History==
Aquila was one of the 48 [[constellation]]s described by the 2nd century astronomer [[Ptolemy]]. It had been earlier mentioned by [[Eudoxus of Cnidus|Eudoxus]] in the 4th century BC and [[Aratus]] in the 3rd century BC.

The Greek Aquila is probably based on the Babylonian constellation of the Eagle (MUL.A.MUSHEN), which is in the same area as the Greek constellation.<ref>''Babylonian Star-lore'' by Gavin White, Solaria Pubs, 2008, page 95</ref>

===Novae===
Two major [[nova]]e have been observed in Aquila. The first one was in 389 BC and was recorded as being as bright as Venus. The other was in 1918 and is known as ([[V603 Aquilae|Nova Aquilae 1918]]). It briefly shone brighter than Altair, the brightest star in Aquila.

===Deep-sky objects===
Three interesting [[planetary nebula]]e lie in Aquila:
*[[NGC 6804]] shows a small but bright ring
*[[NGC 6781]] which bears some resemblance with the [[Owl Nebula]] in [[Ursa Major]].
*[[NGC 6751]]: also known as the [[Glowing Eye]], a planetary nebula

==Illustrations==
In illustrations of Aquila that represent it as an eagle, a nearly straight line of three stars symbolizes part of the wings. The center and brightest of these three stars is Altair. The tips of the wings spread out to the southeast and northwest. The head of the eagle stretches off to the southwest.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}

==Mythology==
[[File:Sidney_Hall_-_Urania's_Mirror_-_Delphinus,_Sagitta,_Aquila,_and_Antinous.jpg|thumb|right|210px|Aquila, with the now-obsolete figure of [[Antinous (constellation)|Antinous]], as depicted in Urania's Mirror, a set of constellation cards published in London c.1825. At left is [[Delphinus]].]]
In [[Roman mythology|mythology]], Aquila was owned by the Roman god [[Jupiter (mythology)|Jupiter]] and did many tasks for him.

In a book by Gavin White, the Babylonian Eagle carried the constellation called the Dead Man (LU.USH) in its talons. The author also draws a comparison to the Classical stories of Antinous and Ganymede.<ref>''Babylonian Star-lore'' by Gavin White, Solaria Pubs, 2008, page 92</ref>

In classical [[Greek mythology]], Aquila was identified as Αετός Δίας (''[[Aetos Dios]]''). He was the eagle that carried the thunderbolts of [[Zeus]]. He was sent by Zeus to carry the shepherd boy [[Ganymede (mythology)|Ganymede]] to [[Mount Olympus (Mountain)|Mount Olympus]]. The constellation of [[Aquarius (constellation)|Aquarius]] is sometimes identified with Ganymede.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}

In the Chinese love story of [[Qi Xi]], Niu Lang ([[Altair]]) and his two children (β and γ Aquilae) are separated forever from their wife and mother Zhi Nu ([[Vega]]) who is on the far side of the river, the [[Milky Way]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}

In [[Hinduism]], the constellation Aquila is identified with the half-eagle half-human deity [[Garuda]].{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}}

==Chinese astronomy==
In [[Chinese astronomy]], [[Zeta Aquilae|ζ Aql]] is within the [[Heavenly Market Enclosure]] (天市垣, ''Tiān Shì Yuán''), and the other stars of the constellation are placed within the [[Black Tortoise (Chinese constellation)|Black Tortoise of the North]] (北方玄武, ''Běi Fāng Xuán Wǔ'').

==Related pages==
*[[Westerhout 49]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Sources==
*{{1911}}
*Ian Ridpath and Wil Tirion (2007). ''Stars and Planets Guide'', Collins, London. {{ISBN|978-0007251209}}. Princeton University Press, Princeton. {{ISBN|978-0691135564}}.

== Other websites ==
{{Commonscat|Aquila (constellation)}}
*[http://www.nightskyinfo.com/constellations/aquila/ NightSkyInfo.com: Constellation Aquila]
*[http://www.ianridpath.com/startales/aquila.htm Star Tales – Aquila]
*[http://www.allthesky.com/constellations/aquila/ The Deep Photographic Guide to the Constellations: Aquila]
*[http://www.wikisky.org/?object=Aquila&zoom=2 WIKISKY.ORG: Aquila constellation]

{{constellations}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Aquila (Constellation)}}
[[Category:Constellations]]
[[Category:Constellations listed by Ptolemy]]