Lyra

constellation · northern sky · ancient

A musical instrument in stars. Lyra represents a lyre, which is an ancient stringed instrument like a small harp. Ancient people imagined this shape in the stars and told stories about it.

One of the oldest constellations. Lyra was one of 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy, a famous astronomer from the 2nd century. It's still recognized today as one of the modern 88 official constellations.

Best seen in summer nights. If you live in the northern part of Earth, Lyra appears nearly straight overhead shortly after midnight when summer starts. People near the equator can see it low on the northern horizon.

Named after flying animals. Lyra was often drawn on old star maps as either a vulture or an eagle carrying a lyre. This is why it's sometimes called Vultur Cadens or Aquila Cadens, which means 'falling vulture' or 'falling eagle' in Latin.

Surrounded by other constellations. Lyra sits next to four other constellations: Draco, Hercules, Vulpecula, and Cygnus. They are like neighbors in the night sky.