Corvus

Corvus

(kor -vŭs) (Crow) A small fairly conspicuous constellation in the southern hemisphere near the star Spica, the four brightest stars being of 2nd and 3rd magnitude. It contains the associated radio sources NGC 4038 and 4039, a pair of galaxies in collision with each other. Abbrev.: Crv; genitive form: Corvi; approx. position: RA 12.5h, dec –20°; area: 184 sq deg.

Collins Dictionary of Astronomy © Market House Books Ltd, 2006

Corvus

[′kȯr·vəs]

(astronomy)

A constellation, right ascension 12 hours, declination 20°S. Abbreviated Crv. Also known as Crow.

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 It might be outdated or ideologically biased.

Corvus

 

(the raven), a constellation in the southern hemisphere. Its brightest star has a visual stellar magnitude of 2.6. The most favorable visibility conditions are in March and April. It is visible in the southern regions of the USSR.

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Corvus

 

a device used in ancient times for breaching fortress walls, getting armed warriors into a fortress, and facilitating the boarding of ships. In the first instance, the corvus was a massive hook set in motion by several soldiers; in the second, it was a well sweep with a box for conveying soldiers; and in the third, it was a gangplank with a large metallic hook in the shape of a crow’s beak on the end which was lowered onto an enemy ship to prevent it from moving away. The first mention of the use of a corvus is in connection with the Punic Wars (third and second centuries B.C.).

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