Corvus

Star References
1. Delta Corvi: A double star separable with a small telescope. Its primary is of the 3rd magnitude and its companion is of the 9th. Common name Algorab.
2. Gamma Corvi: The brightest star in the constellation at mag. 2.6.

Deep-Sky Objects

NGC 4038/4039: The Antennae, The Ring-Tail Galaxy
A well-known pair of interacting - possibly colliding - galaxies, classified as peculiar. Long-exposure photographs show its shape to be heart-like. Two streamers emanating from the point of interaction are also visible; the resemblance of these to feelers or antennae gives rise to one common name. The galaxies are small and of the 11th magnitude, so moderate to large telescopes are needed to see them.

Mythology

Represents a crow perched on the coils of Hydra the water-snake. According to Greek myth, Apollo gave the crow a cup (represented by neighboring Crater) to fill with water, but the crow instead stopped to eat figs. Upon returning, he told Apollo that the water-snake Hydra had delayed him, but Apollo saw through the lie and condemned the crow to a life of thirst sitting out of reach of a cup in the sky.

Interesting Facts

1. This constellation is unusual in that its alpha star, Alchiba, is the faintest star in the pattern of the constellation. The remaining four stars form a trapezoid often referred to as a sail.

Created by Dan Corbett, Kate Stafford, and Patrick Wright for ThinkQuest.