Constellations are memorable maps to the stars, dating back many thousands of years.

Many of the constellations are associated with the Gods and Godesses of ancient Greek mythology.

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has divided the sky into 88 official constellations with exact boundaries, so that every direction or location in the sky belongs to one constellation. Astronomers use this as a rough guideline for location objects, e.g. when they say that Mars is in the constellation of Gemini, it can be found within the borders of the constellation. The constellations that the Sun pass through each year are known as the Zodiac.

Scutum

The Shield

It is one of the few constellations (with Coma Berenices) that owes its name to an historical figure.

Scutum Mythology

Being a modern constellation, Scutum has no mythology associated with it. It was designed to represent Janina Coat of Arms of Polish king Jan III Sobieski.

Further Information

The original name Scutum Sobiescianum (Sobieski's Shield) was introduced in late 1683 by Hevelius as commemoration of the victory of the Christian forces led by Polish king and hero John III Sobieski in the battle of Vienna.

Scutum Photographs

Sorry, I have no photographs of this constellation yet.