Cygnus – The Swan

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

Cygnus  is one of the 42 constellations that represents an animal.

Symbolism: Cygnus is also known as ‘ The Swan’

 

History & Mythology

Cygnus has been known by many different cultures and represents many different things for these cultures throughout history. In Greek mythology, Cygnus represents the Swan. The myth is that the god Zeus turned himself into a Swan to pursue Queen Leda. Cygnus can also be referred to as the northern cross because of the shape of the constellation in the northern sky.  

 

Key Data

Bordering Constellations: Cygnus is bordered by constellations Lacerta, Pegasus, Lyra, Vulpecula, Draco & Cepheus.

Sky Chart #: 1.

Star Raking: 16th largest constellation in the celestial sphere. 

Main Stars: Cygnus consists of 9 main stars.

Brightest Star: Daneb.

 

Kids Fun Facts Corner

# 1. Cygnus is a northern constellation that is visible in the summer.

# 2. The star Albireo in Cygnus is a binary star.

# 3. Daneb is the brightest star in Cygnus.

 

Q&A Corner

Q. What is Cygnus also known as?

Q. How many main stars does Cygnus have?

Q. What is the brightest star in Cygnus?

Q. What type star is Albireo?

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

Download questions about the Cygnus Constellation here: Cygnus (answers are on this page)

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

For further reading and more information on the Cygnus Constellation visit www.solarsystemquick.com/cygnus