Lynx is a medium-sized constellation occupying a relatively sparse region of the sky. It is located between Ursa Major, Gemini, and Cancer. Lynx is a northern constellation, best seen from January through May. It is not readily visible to southern observers.
History and Mythology
Lynx was named at the end of the 17th century by the astronomer Hevelius. He connected a series of faint stars forming a zig-zag line to create the constellation. In earlier times, Lynx was considered part of Ursa Major.
Notable Objects
At magnitude 3.3, Alpha Lyncis is the brightest star in the constellation. The other stars are 4th magnitude and fainter.
NGC 2419 is an interesting 11th magnitude globular cluster in the southwest corner of Lynx. At a distance of 300,000 light-years, it is the most distant globular cluster that is associated with the Milky Way. It is actually in intergalactic space, and often nicknamed the "Intergalactic Wanderer". A 12-inch or larger telescope is needed to see this cluster, which appear as little more than a fuzzy star.
The planetary nebula Jones-Emberson 1, named after its discoverers, is faint but very large. This planetary nebula makes for a very difficult target due to its very low surface brightness. Like the Medusa Nebula, its is probably a very old shell of gas.
There are several 11th and 12th magnitude galaxies in Lynx. NGC 2683 is the most prominent, at magnitude 11.5. It is an edge-on spiral galaxy about 16 million light years away that is slightly north of the border between Lynx and Cancer.