- Vela (constellation)
Infobox Constellation
name = Vela
abbreviation = Vel
genitive = Velorum
symbology = theSail s
RA = 9
dec= −50
areatotal = 500
arearank = 32nd
numbermainstars = 5
numberbfstars = 50
numberstarsplanets = 3
numberbrightstars = 5
numbernearbystars = 0
brighteststarname = γ Vel
starmagnitude = 1.6
neareststarname = ψ Vel
stardistance = 60.5
numbermessierobjects = 0
meteorshowers =Delta Velids Gamma Velids Puppid-velids
bordering =Antlia Pyxis Puppis
CarinaCentaurus
latmax = 30
latmin = 90
month = March
notes=Vela (pronEng|ˈviːlə, _la.
sail s) is a southernconstellation , one of the three parts into whichArgo Navis was split (the others being Carina andPuppis ).Notable features
The brightest star in the constellation, γ Velorum, is a bright 1.75m
supergiant star. The star is actually quintuple, the primary component is famous for being the brightestWolf-Rayet star in the sky. This star is also sometimes called Regor, which is Roger backwards.κ Velorum is also called
Markeb .Notable deep sky objects
Of the deep sky objects of interest in Vela is a
planetary nebula known as theNGC 3132 (nicknamed Eight-burst nebula). Also of interest within the constellation is theVela Supernova Remnant . This is thenebula of asupernova explosion which is believed to have been visible from the Earth around 10,000 years ago. The remnant contains apulsar which was the first pulsar to be identified optically.The
Gum Nebula is a faint emission nebula, believed to be the remains of a million year old supernova.History
Vela is one of the four constellations that made up the old constellation of
Argo Navis , the ship of the Argonauts: Vela is the sail.False Cross
The False Cross is an asterism formed of the
star s δ Velorum and κ Velorum and ι Carinae and ε Carinae. It is sometimes mistaken for the Southern Cross, causing errors inastronavigation .References
* Ian Ridpath and Wil Tirion (2007). "Stars and Planets Guide", Collins,
London . ISBN 978-0007251209.Princeton University Press , Princeton. ISBN 978-0691135564.
* Richard Hinckley Allen, "Star Names, Their Lore and Legend",New York , Dover, various dates.
* "Vela", a song by Eugene McGuinness off the album "The Early Learnings of Eugene McGuinness" 2008
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
