Draco

Draco is a large constellation that winds around the north celestial pole between Ursa Major and Ursa Minor. The star Thuban (Alpha Draconis) was the pole star approximately 4,700 years ago when the Egyptian pyramids were built. The constellation contains the Cat's Eye Nebula (NGC 6543), a striking planetary nebula.

Location in the Sky

When to Observe

Draco is best observed during July. It is located in the NQ3 quadrant and is primarily visible from the northern hemisphere. The constellation contains 14 main stars forming its asterism, with 42 Bayer/Flamsteed designated stars in total. Its brightest star is Eltanin.

Mythology & History

In Greek mythology, Draco is most often identified with Ladon, the hundred-headed dragon that guarded the golden apples in the Garden of the Hesperides. Heracles slew the dragon as his eleventh labor, and Hera placed it in the sky. Another tradition identifies Draco with the dragon slain by Cadmus before founding the city of Thebes.