Definition

Proper noun A small, faint constellation in the northern celestial hemisphere. Its name is Latin for "little fox."

Usage

• Vulpecula is one of the 88 modern constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union.
• It is located within the Summer Triangle, an asterism formed by the bright stars Vega, Altair, and Deneb.
• The constellation Vulpecula contains notable deep-sky objects, such as the Dumbbell Nebula (M27).

Examples

• Astronomers study planetary nebulae located in Vulpecula.
• To find the Coathanger asterism, look within the boundaries of Vulpecula.
• Vulpecula was first defined by the astronomer Johannes Hevelius in the 17th century.

Advanced Usage

• In astronomical catalogues, stars within Vulpecula are often designated with the genitive form "Vulpeculae" (meaning "of the fox").
  • Example: "The star Alpha Vulpeculae is the brightest in the constellation."

Variants and Related Words

• Vulpeculae (noun): The genitive (possessive) form used in star names and astronomical contexts (e.g., "the stars of Vulpecula").
• The Fox (noun): The English translation of the constellation's name.

Synonyms

• The Little Fox
• The Fox (constellation)

Notes

• Vulpecula is often depicted with a goose in its jaws (Anser), forming the obsolete constellation "Vulpecula et Anser" (the Fox and the Goose).
• It is not associated with prominent mythology but is a modern constellation created to fill gaps in the celestial map.

Noun

1. a constellation in the northern hemisphere near Cygnus and Sagitta