SkyEye

Scutum

The Shield

Abbreviation:Sct
Genitive:Scuti
Origin:Johannes Hevelius, 1684
Fully Visible:90°S – 74°N

German/Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius (1611–1687) announced the creation of this constellation in the August 1684 edition of the scientific journal Acta Eruditorum. Originally named Scutum Sobiescianum (the Shield of Sobieski), it commemorates the victory over the Ottoman Empire by Polish King John Ⅲ Sobieski in the Battle of Vienna in 1683.

The constellation of Scutum

Notable Features

Visible Named Stars
The brightest star in the constellation, α Sct, is fourth-magnitude. None of the visible stars in this constellation have an official name.
Other Interesting Stars
δ Sct Although this star has no common name, it is a famous variable star and the prototype of an entire class of objects called δ Scuti stars. These stars exhibit small fluctuations in brightness over short (a few hours) time periods.
Deep Sky Objects
M11 Wild Duck Cluster This open cluster is one of the richest of the known open clusters and is visible in binoculars.
M26 A telescope is necessary to see this very young, faint open cluster.