Delphinus

Delphinus, known as the Dolphin, is a compact and distinctive constellation that graces the northern celestial hemisphere. Its recognizable shape, resembling a leaping dolphin, makes it a captivating sight in the night sky. Visible from latitudes between +90° and -70°, Delphinus graces the sky predominantly during the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere, reaching its highest point during August evenings.

Stars

Among its stars, Rotanev (Beta Delphini) shines as the primary star, forming a binary star system. The name "Rotanev" is derived from the Latin word "Venator," meaning "hunter," spelled backward.

History

In Greek mythology, Delphinus is linked to the story of Apollo, the god of music and prophecy, and the sea god Poseidon. According to legend, Apollo sought the help of a dolphin to locate the Cretan princess Coronis. As a token of gratitude for the dolphin's assistance, Apollo immortalized it among the stars, forming the constellation Delphinus.

Variable Stars

Within Delphinus, variable stars like Delta Delphini add to its astronomical allure. These stars exhibit slight variations in brightness over specific periods, providing astronomers with valuable insights into the behavior and characteristics of stars.