Lynx constellation
Lynx (the Lynx) is a constellation in the northern sky, best seen in the evening in March. Its brightest star is α Lyncis (magnitude 3.13). Lynx covers 545 square degrees and is the 28th-largest of the 88 constellations.
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Detailed star map of Lynx
Facts
| Latin name | Lynx (genitive: Lyncis) |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | Lyn |
| Meaning | the Lynx |
| Area | 545 square degrees (28th of 88) |
| Location | right ascension 8.1 h, declination +47° |
| Visible from | latitudes 90° N to 28° S (whole constellation) |
| Best month | March (at about 9 pm) |
| Brightest star | α Lyncis |
| Stars brighter than magnitude 6 | 60 |
| Named stars (IAU) | 1 |
| Messier objects | none |
| Neighbors | Auriga, Camelopardalis, Cancer, Gemini, Leo Minor, Ursa Major |
How to find Lynx
From 40° N (the USA, southern Europe, Japan) look north in March evenings: at about 9 pm Lynx stands highest, around 83° above the northern horizon. From 35° S (Australia, South Africa, Argentina) it is highest in the north, about 8° above the horizon. The months before and after (February and April) are also good: then it is up a couple of hours earlier or later.
Lynx borders Auriga, Camelopardalis, Cancer, Gemini, Leo Minor and Ursa Major.
Stars of Lynx
Lynx has 60 stars brighter than magnitude 6, the limit of the naked eye under a dark sky. These are the brightest:
| Star | Designation | Magnitude | Type | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | α Lyncis | 3.13 | K7IIIab | — |
| — | 38 Lyncis | 3.82 | A3V | — |
| — | HR 3579 | 3.97 | F5V | — |
| Alsciaukat | 31 Lyncis | 4.25 | K4.5III-IIIb | 389 ly |
| — | 15 Lyncis | 4.35 | G5III-IV | — |
| — | 2 Lyncis | 4.48 | A2V s | — |
Printable Lynx map and outline
A black and white version for printing and a plain outline of the Lynx figure, useful for school projects, worksheets and learning to recognize the shape.
History
Lynx is introduced by the Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius in 1690. Its official boundary was drawn by Eugène Delporte for the International Astronomical Union in 1930.
Questions about Lynx
What is the brightest star in Lynx?
α Lyncis, at magnitude 3.13.
When can you see Lynx?
Lynx is best seen in the evening in March. The whole constellation is visible from latitudes between 90° N and 28° S.
How many stars are in Lynx?
60 stars in Lynx are brighter than magnitude 6 and can be seen with the naked eye under a dark sky; 1 of them have official IAU names.
What does Lynx mean?
Lynx means “the Lynx” in Latin. Its abbreviation is Lyn and the genitive, used in star names such as α Lyncis, is Lyncis.
