Lyra ( Latin for ' lyre ', from Ancient Greek : λύρα / ˈ l aɪ r ə / LY -rə ) [2] is a small constellation . It is one of the 48 listed by the 2nd century astronomer Ptolemy , and is one of the modern 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union . Lyra was often represented on star maps as a vulture or an eagle carrying a lyre, and hence is sometimes referred to as Vultur Cadens or Aquila Cadens ("Falling Vulture" [3] or "Falling Eagle"), respectively. Beginning at the north, Lyra is
Vega , Lyra's brightest star, is one of the brightest stars in the night sky , and forms a corner of the famed Summer Triangle asterism . Beta Lyrae is the prototype of a class of binary stars known as Beta Lyrae variables . These binary stars are so close to each other that they become egg-shaped and material flows from one to the other. Epsilon Lyrae , known informally as the Double Double, is a complex multiple star system. Lyra also hosts the Ring Nebula , the second-discovered and best-known planetary
In Greek mythology , Lyra represents the lyre of Orpheus . Made by Hermes from a tortoise shell, given to Apollo as a bargain, it was said to be the first lyre ever produced. Orpheus's music was said to be so great that even inanimate objects such as rocks could be charmed. Joining Jason and the Argonauts , his music was able to quell the voices of the dangerous Sirens , who sang tempting songs to the Argonauts. [4]