The Northern Crown
Corona Borealis
Brightest star: Alphecca
Overview
Corona Borealis is a charming small constellation covering about 179 square degrees, easily recognized by its distinctive semicircular arc of seven stars between Bootes and Hercules. The brightest star, Alphecca (Alpha Coronae Borealis, also called Gemma), shines at magnitude 2.2 and marks the jewel of the crown. Despite containing no Messier objects or bright nebulae, the constellation has astronomical significance as the location of the Corona Borealis Galaxy Cluster, one of the densest galaxy clusters known. The pattern is one of the most distinctive in the sky, and once identified, it becomes a familiar landmark. Best viewing is during May through August from the Northern Hemisphere.
Mythology
The most beloved myth associated with Corona Borealis tells the story of Ariadne's Crown. Ariadne, princess of Crete, helped the hero Theseus escape the Minotaur's labyrinth with a ball of thread. When Theseus later abandoned her on the island of Naxos, the god Dionysus found her and fell deeply in love. He gave Ariadne a magnificent golden crown studded with gems, crafted by the divine artisan Hephaestus. When Ariadne died, Dionysus was inconsolable and threw her crown into the sky, where its jewels became stars. This beautiful tale of love, loss, and celestial immortalization has made Corona Borealis one of the most romantically storied constellations.
Astrological Significance
Corona Borealis is one of the most symbolically positive constellations in astrological tradition. Alphecca, its brightest star, is associated in fixed-star astrology with artistic ability, honor, and dignity, carrying a Venus-Mercury nature that suggests creative expression and eloquent communication. The crown itself represents divine favor, spiritual attainment, and the rewards of love and loyalty. In romantic astrology, the constellation is considered highly auspicious for matters of the heart. The story of Ariadne speaks to themes of finding true love after betrayal, and the transformative power of genuine devotion. Those connected to this constellation may have artistic gifts and a capacity for deep, transformative love.
Observing Tips
Corona Borealis is best observed during late spring and summer evenings. Its semicircular shape is unmistakable once found between the bright stars Arcturus in Bootes and the keystone of Hercules. Alphecca sits at the bottom of the arc, marking the crown's central jewel. Two remarkable variable stars reside here: R Coronae Borealis, a carbon star that unpredictably fades from naked-eye visibility to near invisibility over weeks, and T Coronae Borealis, the 'Blaze Star,' a recurrent nova that occasionally brightens dramatically. The Abell 2065 galaxy cluster lies within the constellation's borders but requires large telescopes. The pattern serves as a reliable guide to neighboring Bootes and Hercules.