Sagitta Constellation Myths and Facts

Sagitta: The Arrow

Pronunciation: suh-JIT-uh
Sagitta
Sagitta as depicted by Johann Bayer in his Uranometria (1603). Source image provided by www.RareMaps.com — Barry Lawrence Ruderman Antique Maps Inc.
Sagitta Constellation Profile
Abbreviation: Sae Genitive: Sagittae
Origin: Ancient Location: Southern Hemisphere
Best View (North): Summer Best View (South):
Bordering Constellations: Vulpecula, Hercules, Aquila, Delphinus

The Myth Behind the Constellation Sagitta

Sagitta has been seen as an arrow by a number cultures since classical times, including the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Hebrews.  Some of the famous arrows Sagitta is linked to are the arrow Apollo used to kill the Cyclops, the arrow Hercules shot at the Stymphalian Birds, the arrow Hercules killed the eagle ate Prometheus’ liver, and Cupid’s arrow.

Sagitta Constellation Points of Interest

Interesting Objects in the Constellation Sagitta
Name Messier NGC Type Visibility
M71 NGC 6838 Globular Cluster Binoculars

Bright Stars in Sagitta

There are no stars in Sagitta with a magnitude of 3.0 or brighter.