This inconspicuous constellation,
sandwiched between Cygnus and Andromeda like a lizard between
rocks, was introduced by the Polish astronomer Johannes
Hevelius on his star atlas Firmamentum
Sobiescianum published in 1690.
Hevelius gave it the alternative title of Stellio, a type of
lizard also known as a starred agama, but this name soon fell
into disuse. Lacerta’s stars are of fourth magnitude and
fainter and none have names, nor are there any legends
associated with the constellation.
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Lacerta slithers between Cygnus, top right, and the obsolete constellation of Honores Friderici (now part of Andromeda), bottom, as seen on the Uranographia of Johann Bode. For Hevelius’s original depiction, see here.
© Ian Ridpath. All rights reserved
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