Constellation Monoceros (Unicorn)
Date:
Southern hemisphere Northern hemisphere
Winter
Unicorn
Monoceros
The Unicorn (lat. Monoceros) is a very inconspicuous constellation with only two stars of the fourth magnitude. With an area of 482 square degrees it can be seen in both hemispheres.
How to spot Monoceros
Monoceros can best be viewed in winter and is located between the striking constellations Orion, Hydra and Gemini and the bright star Sirius of Canis Major.
History
In 1612, Peter Plancius created a celestial globe with new constellations, among them the "Monoceros Unicornis". In 1624, Jacob Bartsch included the constellation of the mystical creature in his star charts and attributed it a biblical meaning. The unicorn should represent Jesus Christ and the horn the Divine Truth.