Lyra (;
Latin for
lyre, from
Greek λύρα) is a small
constellation. It is one of 48 listed by the 2nd century astronomer
Ptolemy, and is one of the 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 sometimes referred to as
Aquila Cadens or
Vultur Cadens. Beginning at the north, Lyra is bordered by
Draco,
Hercules,
Vulpecula, and
Cygnus. Lyra is visible from the northern hemisphere from spring through autumn, and nearly overhead, in temperate latitudes, during the summer months. From the southern hemisphere, it is visible low in the northern sky during the winter months.