THE EAGLE

Aquila

Delphinus, on the left, is still a recognized constellation, but quite small and faint. Sagitta, the bow and arrow, is considered an ancient constellation.

Latin for “eagle” Best viewed in: late summer, September

Aquila was the eagle that in Greek mythology actually bore Ganymede (Aquarius) up to Mt. Olympus. The eagle was also the thunderbolt carrier for Zeus.

This constellation lies in the Milky Way band, and its most prominent star is Altair, which is actually one of the closest naked eye stars to the earth. The top portion of Aquila forms a shallow inverted “V,” with Altair nearly the point. This represents the head and wings of the eagle. A line then descends from Altair, which forms the body of the eagle.

Look towards the southern sky in the late summer, near the Milky Way band, for Aquila.