Along with Aquila and Lyra, the constellation Cygnus is one of the most prominent summer constellations, but because of its northern position it can also be seen in autumn and on early winter evenings. Its two bright rows of stars form a prominent cross in the sky, which is why it is also known as the Cross of the North or Northern Cross (the counterpart of Crux). The constellation is said to represent a flying swan.
The bright band of the Milky Way runs through Cygnus, which is why the constellation is rich in special stars and nebulae.
| Cygnus | |
|---|---|
| Latin name | Cygnus |
| Latin genitive | Cygni |
| Abbreviation | Cyg |
| Brightest star | Deneb (α Cygni) |
| Fully visible | 90° N to 29° S |
| Observation time for Central Europe | all year round |
