Phoenix Constellation Myths and Facts

Phoenix: The Phoenix

Pronunciation: FEE-nix
Phoenix, The Phoenix
Phoenix as depicted by Johannes Hevelius in his Firmamentum Sobiescianum sive Uranographia (1687).
Phoenix Constellation Profile
Abbreviation: Phe Genitive: Phoenicis
Origin: Keyser/de Houtman Location: Southern Hemisphere
Best View (North): Autumn Best View (South):
Bordering Constellations: Tucana, Hydrus, Eridanus, Fornax, Sculptor, Grus

The Myth Behind the Constellation Phoenix

Phoenix is a modern constellation created by Pieter Dirkszoon Keyser and Frederick de Houtman in the late sixteenth century.  It represents the large mythical bird. The Phoenix is the symbol of rebirth.  It would immolate itself in intervals of about 500 years.  At the end of its life cycle it would build a pyre out of twigs and spices and once lit, it would allow it to become consumed by the flames.  Out of the ashes a new Phoenix would be born.

Phoenix Constellation Points of Interest

Interesting stars and objects.

Bright Stars in Phoenix

These are the stars in Phoenix with a minimum magnitude of 3.0.
Name Bayer Name Magnitude Color Luminosity Distance
Ankaa Alpha Phoenicis 2.40 Orange 99 suns 77 ly