Lynx

Lynx is a large but very faint constellation in the northern sky. It contains the Intergalactic Wanderer (NGC 2419), one of the most distant globular clusters associated with the Milky Way. Its brightest star is only magnitude 3.1.

Location in the Sky

When to Observe

Lynx is best observed during March. It is located in the NQ2 quadrant and is primarily visible from the northern hemisphere. The constellation contains 4 main stars forming its asterism, with 42 Bayer/Flamsteed designated stars in total. Its brightest star is Alpha Lyncis.

Mythology & History

Lynx was introduced by Johannes Hevelius in 1687 to fill a large, dim area between Ursa Major and Auriga. Hevelius reportedly said you needed the eyes of a lynx to see it, hence the name. The constellation has no mythological origin.