Myths in the Sky: Fox With the Goose, the Arrow and Lizard

The Fox With the Goose (lat. Vulpecula)

This constellation was formed by J. Hevelius. He gave it the name which he substantiated in the following terms: «I want to place the Fox beside the Goose in a heavenly area very much suited to it, as it is a cunning, predatory and proud beast».

^{Johannes Hevelius, atlas Firmamentum Sobiescianum, Map 11}

Hevelius did not regard the fox and the goose to be two separate constellations, but later the stars were divided into a separate Anser and Vulpecula. Today, they have been merged again under the name of the Fox, but the Goose is remembered by the name of the star α Vulpeculae: Anser.

The Arrow (lat. Sagitta)

This is an ancient constellation, evidently dedicated to the arrows of Appolo, who was the greatest archer of his days.

The Lizard (lat. Lacerta)

This constellation was indicated on the celestial map by J. Hevelius at-the fall of the XVII century.

^{Johannes Hevelius, atlas Firmamentum Sobiescianum, Map 12}