Abbreviation:

Peg

English name:

Pegasus

Coordinates

see Stellar data

Particulars:

• Variable star beta Peg (period: ~35 days)
• Double stars xi Peg, epsilon Peg, kappa Peg, 1 Peg
• Globular cluster M 15
• Galaxy NGC 7331
• Meteor Shower: Alpha Pegasids, Upsilon Pegasids

General:

One of the large constellations of the northern hemisphere. It is thought to represent a winged horse. The Four of the stars alpha Peg, beta Peg, gamma Peg and alpha And form an easy to view square. Originally the fourth star was called delta Peg, but nowadays this star is assigned to the neighbouring constellation Andromeda.

Stars and other objects

The brightness of the red giant star beta,Peg, called Scheat (the shoulder), varies irregularly between 2nd and 3rd magnitude.
The double epsilon Peg, called Enif, is a wide pair, very unequal in brightness. The first component is a K2 super giant of 2.39 mag. The second component of 9th mag becomes visible in binoculars or small scopes.
1 Peg is also an object for small scopes. The pair consists of a 4.13 mag F5 subgiant with an 9th mag companion.
The 6th mag globular cluster M15 is one of the densest of this type. It is notable for its collapsed core as well as for its high amount of known variable stars and pulsars. To view it binoculars and small scopes are sufficient. The cluster appears as a misty patch. To resolve individual stars larger telescopes are required (with an aperture of 150 mm at least). Detailed information can be found in the Messier database.
Two meteor showers are associated with this constellation: The Alpha Pegasids were discovered 1959. The duration seems to be from 29th of October to 12th of November.
The Upsilon Pegasids are active from 25th of July to 19th of August with the maximum occurring on August, 8th.

Mythological Background: