Crater – The Cup

Crater is one of the 88 constellations within the celestial sphere.

Crater  is one of the 29 constellations that represents an object.

Symbolism: Crater is also known as ‘The Cup’

History & Mythology

Crater has been known by many different cultures and represents many different things for these cultures throughout history. In Greek mythology, Crater represents a drinking cup of the Greek god Apollo. The cup is connected to constellation Corvus (the crow) and Hydra. (the water snake) Crater is a faint and indistinct constellation with no real significant stars. The constellation looks like a large bow in the night sky.  

Key Data

Bordering Constellations: Norma is bordered by constellations Virgo, Leo, Corvus, Sextans & Hydra.

Sky Chart #: 5.

Star Raking: 53th largest constellation in the celestial sphere. 

Main Stars: Crater consists of 4 main stars.

Brightest Star: Delta Crateris.

Kids Fun Facts Corner

# 1. Crater has 7 stars with planets.

# 2. Galaxies NGC 3511 & NGC 3887 in Crater were discovered by British astronomer William Hershel in the mid 1780’s.  

# 3. Delta Crateris is the brightest star in Crater.

Q&A Corner

Q. What is Crater also known as?

Q. How many main stars does Crater have?

Q. What is the brightest star in Crater?

Q. How many stars have planets in Crater?

Q. What number star ranking is Crater in the celestial sphere?

^{Download questions about the Crater Constellation here: Crater (answers are in this page)}

Teachers. For more in depth work sheets on constellations. Click on Kidskonnect Worksheets  

^{For further reading and more information on the Crater Constellation visit www.constellation-guide.com/crater}