Cygnus is a northern constellation lying on the plane of the Milky Way, deriving its name from the Greek word for swan. The swan is one of the most recognizable constellations of the northern summer and autumn, it features a prominent asterism known as the Northern Cross. Cygnus was among the 48 constellations listed by the 2nd century astronomer Ptolemy, and it remains one of the 88 modern constellations. The brightest star in Cygnus is Denab, although it does contain a number of other very bright stars as well
In Greek Mythology, Cygnus has been connected to a number of different legendary swans. One of the more common legends says that Zeus disguised himself as a swan to seduce Leda, the wife of Tyndareus the King of Sparta. Orpheus was transformed into a swan after his murder, and was said to have been placed in the sky next to his lyre, (the constellation of Lyra).
In Greek Mythology, Cygnus has been connected to a number of different legendary swans. One of the more common legends says that Zeus disguised himself as a swan to seduce Leda, the wife of Tyndareus the King of Sparta. Orpheus was transformed into a swan after his murder, and was said to have been placed in the sky next to his lyre, (the constellation of Lyra).
