MONOCEROS
The Unicorn
(Mon)

Generalities: it is a constellation mastering the celestial equator, deprived of particularly bright stars, but with some interesting objects . Its zenith at midnight takes place in February.

Origins and mythology: it has been introduced in modern times, in 1624. Although it represents the imaginary figure of the unicorn, it is not tied to any mythological circumstances.

Stars: the Unicorn contains 4 stars under  magnitude 4. The brightest one (beta)  has magnitude 3.7, it is of white-blue color and is 200 light-years far. It is a beautiful triple star that can be observed even with a small telescope.

Other objects: in the Unicorn the open cluster M50 and other less bright open clusters are found, together with a famous nebula, the "Rosette nebula".
 


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