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Scutum ( Latin: shield) is a small constellation, one of the 88 modern constellations. It is one of the few constellations (along with Coma Berenices) that owes its name to an historical figure. The original name Scutum Sobiescianum (Sobieski's Shield) was introduced in late 1683 by Hevelius as commemoration of the victory of the Polish forces led by Polish king and hero John III Sobieski in the battle of Vienna. Notable deep sky objects Scutum contains several open clusters, as well as a globular cluster and a planetary nebula. The two best known deep sky objects in Scutum are M11 (NGC 6705), the Wild Duck Cluster, a dense open cluster, and M26, another open cluster also known as NGC 6694. The globular cluster NGC 6712 and the planetary nebula IC 1295 can be found in the eastern part of the constellation, only 24 arcminutes apart. Mythology Being a modern constellation, Scutum has no mythology associated with it. It was designed to represent Janina Coat of Arms of Polish king John III Sobieski with cross of Jesus Christ.
Taurus "Poniatowski", Serpentarius, Scutum "Sobiesky", and Serpens
References * Ian Ridpath and Wil Tirion (2007). Stars and Planets Guide Links
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, Collins, London. ISBN 978-0007251209. Princeton University Press, Princeton. ISBN 978-0691135564.