Scutum

"The Shield"

By IAU and Sky & Telescope magazine (Roger Sinnott & Rick Fienberg) [CC-BY-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Abbreviation: Sct
Genitive: Scuti
Constellation family: Hercules
Nearest constellations: Aquila, Sagittarius, and Serpens
Right ascension: 18.67h
Declination: -10.30°
Visible between latitudes: +80° and -90°
Square degrees: 109
Luminary: Alpha Scuti
Notable deep sky objects: M11 (Wild Duck Cluster), M26

About

Scutum is the fifth-smallest constellation in the sky. It is best seen in August.

Scutum was created by Johannes Hevelius in 1690 and originally named "Scutum Sobiescianum" (or the "shield of Sobieski") to commemorate John III Sobieski, a Polish king who stopped the Turkish army from invading Vienna in 1683.

Mythology

There is no mythology associated with this constellation.

Gallery of objects in Scutum

M11 (the Wild Duck Cluster):

By ESO [CC-BY-4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

IC 1295 (planetary nebula):

By ESO [CC-BY-4.0], via ESO