Corona Borealis
Coronae Borealis · CrB
Corona Borealis is a small but distinctive semicircular arc of stars in the northern sky. Its brightest star, Alphecca (Gemma), marks the jewel of the crown. The constellation contains the remarkable variable star T Coronae Borealis, a recurrent nova known as the Blaze Star.
Location in the Sky
When to Observe
Corona Borealis is best observed during July. It is located in the NQ3 quadrant and is primarily visible from the northern hemisphere. The constellation contains 7 main stars forming its asterism, with 24 Bayer/Flamsteed designated stars in total. Its brightest star is Alphecca.
Mythology & History
In Greek mythology, Corona Borealis represents the crown given by Dionysus to Ariadne, daughter of King Minos of Crete. After Theseus abandoned her on the island of Naxos, Dionysus found and married her, placing her jeweled crown in the sky as a wedding gift. The crown's gems became the stars of the constellation.
Stars in Corona Borealis
6 cataloged stars