Phoenix (constellation) facts for kids
| Constellation | |
List of stars in Phoenix
|
|
| Abbreviation | Phe |
|---|---|
| Genitive | Phoenicis |
| Right ascension | 0 |
| Declination | −50 |
| Area | 469 sq. deg. (37th) |
| Main stars | 4 |
| Bayer/Flamsteed stars |
25 |
| Stars with planets | 3 |
| Stars brighter than 3.00m | 1 |
| Stars within 10.00 pc (32.62 ly) | 2 |
| Brightest star | α Phoenicis (Ankaa) (2.39m) |
| Messier objects | 0 |
| Meteor showers | Phoenicids |
| Bordering constellations |
Sculptor Grus Tucana Hydrus (corner) Eridanus Fornax |
| Visible at latitudes between +32° and −90°. Best visible at 21:00 (9 p.m.) during the month of November. |
|
Phoenix (pronounced /ˈfiːnɪks/) is a small constellation in the southern sky. It is not super bright, but it has a cool story! This constellation is named after the amazing mythical phoenix bird. You can find it near other "bird" constellations, almost like a nest of birds in the sky.
Contents
What is the Phoenix Constellation?
The Phoenix constellation is one of the 88 modern constellations. It is located in the southern part of the sky. This means you can mostly see it if you live in the Southern Hemisphere. People in the Northern Hemisphere might see it if they are close to the equator.
How to Spot Phoenix
The best time to see Phoenix is in November. It is surrounded by other constellations like Sculptor and Grus. Its brightest star is called Alpha Phoenicis, also known as Ankaa. Ankaa is a giant star that shines with a reddish-orange light.
Bright Stars in Phoenix
- Ankaa (Alpha Phoenicis): This is the brightest star in the constellation. It is a giant star, much bigger than our Sun.
- Beta Phoenicis: This is actually two stars orbiting each other! They are both bright and hot.
- Gamma Phoenicis: Another interesting star that helps make up the shape of the Phoenix.
Meteor Showers from Phoenix
Sometimes, small pieces of space dust and rock fall into Earth's atmosphere. When they burn up, they create streaks of light we call meteors or "shooting stars." The Phoenix constellation is home to a meteor shower called the Phoenicids. This shower happens when Earth passes through the trail of dust left by a comet.
The Myth Behind Phoenix
The Phoenix constellation is named after a legendary bird. This mythical bird is famous for its unique life cycle. The story says that the phoenix lives for hundreds of years. When it gets old, it builds a nest of special twigs and sets itself on fire.
Rebirth from Ashes
But the story doesn't end there! From the ashes of the fire, a new, young phoenix is born. This new bird is strong and beautiful. It rises from the ashes to live another long life. This myth is a symbol of new beginnings and hope. It shows that even after something ends, something new and wonderful can begin.
Images for kids
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The constellation Phoenix as drawn in an old star map from 1742.
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This old drawing shows the "southern birds" constellations. Phoenix is at the bottom left.
See also
In Spanish: Fénix (constelación) para niños
