Auriga

Auriga

(ô-rÿ -gă-ree -) (Charioteer) A conspicuous constellation in the northern hemisphere near Orion, lying in the Milky Way, the brightest stars being Capella (α) and the 2nd-magnitude Algol variable Menkalinan (β). Epsilon (∊) and Zeta (ζ) are eclipsing binaries (see Epsilon Aurigae; Zeta Aurigae). The area contains the bright open clusters M36 (NGC 1960), M37 (NGC 2099), and M38 (NGC 1912). Abbrev.: Aur; genitive form: Aurigae; approx. position: RA 5.5h, dec +40°; area: 657 sq deg.

Collins Dictionary of Astronomy © Market House Books Ltd, 2006

Auriga

[ȯ′rī·gə]

(astronomy)

A constellation with a right ascension of 6 hours and declination of 40°N. Abbreviated Aur; Auri.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

The following article is from The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979). It might be outdated or ideologically biased.

Auriga

 

a constellation in the northern sky. Auriga’s brightest star, Capella, has a visual stellar magnitude of 0.1. The most favorable conditions for visibility occur in December and January. Auriga can be seen from all parts of the USSR.

The Great Soviet Encyclopedia, 3rd Edition (1970-1979). © 2010 The Gale Group, Inc. All rights reserved.