Abbreviation: Vul
Genitive: Vulpeculae
Origin: Johannes Hevelius
When Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius created this constellation in the late seventeenth century, he named it Vulpecula cum Ansere or the Little Fox and Goose. The goose has since been dropped from the name of the constellation.
Designation | Name | Description |
---|---|---|
α Vul | Anser | The name of this star is taken from the name of the obsolete constellation, Anser. |
M27 | Dumbbell Nebula | This planetary nebula can be viewed through binoculars. It was the first planetary nebula discovered by Charles Messier. |
C73 | The open cluster C73 is located near the Dumbbell Nebula. It is below naked-eye visibility so optical aids are necessary to view it. |