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==Scutum== | ==Scutum== | ||
Scutum lies in a bright area of the Milky Way and is distinctive despite its small size. Its brightest stars are of only fourth magnitude, and none are named, but the constellation contains a celebrated cluster of stars popularly known as the Wild Duck cluster because its fan-shape resembles a flight of ducks. | |||
In the Chinese constellation system, five or six stars of northern Scutum, including Alpha, Beta and Eta Scuti, were grouped with others in Aquila to form a nine-star constellation called Tianbian. This represented a team of trade officials overseeing the organization and operation of markets. The area of sky to the west, incorporating much of [[Ophiuchus]] and Serpens plus southern Hercules, was visualized as a marketplace. <ref>[http://www.ianridpath.com/startales/scutum.htm Scutum]</ref> | In the Chinese constellation system, five or six stars of northern Scutum, including Alpha, Beta and Eta Scuti, were grouped with others in Aquila to form a nine-star constellation called Tianbian. This represented a team of trade officials overseeing the organization and operation of markets. The area of sky to the west, incorporating much of [[Ophiuchus]] and Serpens plus southern Hercules, was visualized as a marketplace. <ref>[http://www.ianridpath.com/startales/scutum.htm Scutum]</ref> | ||
==Etymology== | ==Etymology== | ||