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Crater (constellation) facts for kids

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Crater
Constellation
Crater
List of stars in Crater
Abbreviation Crt
Genitive Crateris
Pronunciation
genitive
Symbolism the Cup
Right ascension 11
Declination −16
Quadrant SQ2
Area 282 sq. deg. (53rd)
Main stars 4
Bayer/Flamsteed
stars
12
Stars with planets 6
Stars brighter than 3.00m 0
Stars within 10.00 pc (32.62 ly) 0
Brightest star δ Crt (Labrum) (3.57m)
Messier objects 0
Meteor showers Eta Craterids
Bordering
constellations
Leo
Sextans
Hydra
Corvus
Virgo
Visible at latitudes between +65° and −90°.
Best visible at 21:00 (9 p.m.) during the month of April.

Crater is a constellation. In Latin it means cup. It is a constellation in Greek mythology (Apollo). It was one of the 48 constellations listed by the 1st century astronomer Ptolemy, and remains one of the 88 modern constellations. It is located in the Southern Hemisphere.

Mythology

The name "Crater" is taken from a Greek myth. In the story, a crow or raven serves Apollo. It is sent to get water, but it rests lazily on the journey. After finally getting the water in a cup, it takes back a water snake as well, as an excuse. According to the myth, Apollo saw through the trick and angrily cast the cup, crow, and snake into the sky. The constellations of Corvus the crow and Hydra the water-snake are also taken from this myth.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Crater (constelación) para niños

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