The Constellation Directory

Abbreviation: CrB
Genitive: Coronae Borealis
Constellation family: Ursa Major
Nearest constellations: Boötes, Hercules, and Serpens
Right ascension: 15.89h
Declination: 32.19°
Visible between latitudes: +90° and -15°
Square degrees: 179
Luminary: Alphecca (Alpha Coronae Borealis)
Named stars: Alphecca, Nusakan
Notable deep sky objects: Corona Borealis Galaxy Cluster (Abell 2065)

About

Corona Borealis is a small constellation located in the Northern Hemisphere that is best seen in July.

Mythology

In Greek mythology, Corona Borealis represents a crown forged by Hephaestus and given to Ariadne, daughter of King Minos of Crete. Every seven years King Minos would gather seven men and seven women to be placed in a labyrinth containing the Minotaur, a creature that was half-man, half-bull and ate human flesh. Theseus was one of the men chosen to be sacrificed in the labyrinth, but he had the affection of Ariadne who gave him a ball of string to unwind that would mark his passage through the maze.

Theseus successfully killed the Minotaur and emerged from the labyrinth by following the string; he and Ariadne were then engaged to be married. Whether this resulted in a happy marriage varies depending on the source of information. Some describe Theseus as abandoning Ariadne on an island after their marriage or slipping away before their wedding day, and there are also stories involving Ariadne marrying the god Dionysus instead of Theseus.