Lupus - The Wolf

Learn about the constellation Lupus - The Wolf, location, facts, mythology, meteor showers and deep space objects.

By Tim Trott • January 5, 2012

Lupus is one of the 88 modern constellations and was also one of the 48 in Ptolemy's Almagest. It is between Centaurus and Scorpius.

Location: Southern Constellation 15h RA -43° Dec

Towards the north of the constellation are globular clusters NGC 5824 and NGC 5986, and close by the dark nebula B 228. Two open clusters are to the south of the constellation, NGC 5822 and NGC 5749. On the western border are two spiral galaxies and the Wolf-Rayet planetary nebula IC 4406, containing some of the hottest stars in existence.

Lupus Mythology

The constellation has no clear mythology but is sometimes associated with the tale of King Lycaon. Although known from ancient times no particular animal was associated with it until the Latin translation of Ptolemy's work identified it with the wolf.

Lupus Deep Space Objects

More Constellations

Northern Circumpolar
Camelopardalis Cassiopeia Cepheus Draco Lacerta Ursa Major
Ursa Minor
Northern Spring
Antlia Boötes Cancer Coma Berenices Crater Hydra
Leo Leo Minor Virgo
Northern Summer
Aquila Corona Borealis Cygnus Delphinus Equuleus Hercules
Libra Lyra Ophiuchus Sagitta Scutum Serpens
Vulpecula
Northern Autumn
Andromeda Aquarius Aries Capricornus Pegasus Pisces
Triangulum
Northern Winter
Auriga Canes Venatici Canis Major Canis Minor Cetus Eridanus
Gemini Lepus Lynx Monoceros Orion Perseus
Taurus
Southern Constellations
Apus Ara Caelum Carina Centaurus Chamaeleon
Circinus Columba Corona Australis Corvus Crux Dorado
Fornax Grus Horologium Hydrus Indus Lupus
Mensa Microscopium Musca Norma Octans Pavo
Phoenix Pictor Piscis Austrinus Puppis Pyxis Reticulum
Sagittarius Scorpius Sculptor Sextans Telescopium Triangulum Australe
Tucana Vela Volans

About the Author

Tim Trott is an avid stargazer and astrophotographer whose passion for the cosmos fuels a lifelong journey of exploration and wonder. Through Perfect Astronomy, he shares the beauty of the night sky and the art of capturing it, blending science and creativity to inspire curious minds and aspiring astrophotographers alike. Join him as he turns every starry night into a story waiting to be told.

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