What is the Cyngnus?

The sprawling constellation of Cygnus was one of Ptolemy’s original 48 constellations and remains today as part of the official 88 modern constellations recognized by the IAU. Flying across the sky in a grand position against the backdrop of the Milky Way, Cygnus consists of 6 bright stars which form an asterism of a cross comprised of 9 main stars and there are 84 Bayer/Flamsteed designated stars within its confines. It is bordered by the constellations of Cepheus, Draco, Lyra, Vulpecula, Pegasus, and Lacerta. Cygnus is visible to all observers at latitudes between +90° and ?40° and is best seen at culmination during the month of September. If you are looking at Cygnus for an area well away from city lights on a night when there is no Moon, look just northwest of Deneb for the North America Nebula. At 3 full degrees, you’ll be looking for a vague, misty patch of silver-ness that about as broad as your thumb held at arm’s length.

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