Lyra (The Lyre)

Compact northern constellation containing Vega, one of the brightest stars in the sky, and the Ring Nebula.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Vega became the first star other than the Sun to be photographed, at Harvard Observatory in 1850.
• Axial precession made Vega the north pole star around 12,000 BC, a role it will reclaim in roughly 12,000 years.
• Its Ring Nebula is a planetary nebula, the glowing shell cast off by a dying Sun-like star, previewing the Sun's own fate.

Specifications & Metrics

• BRIGHTEST STAR: Vega (α Lyr)
• HEMISPHERE: Northern
• BEST VIEWED: August