Terebellum (Herman's Cross) -- Asterism in Sagittarius
Without optical aid, from a semi-dark location, one can see the four stars that make up
Herman’s Cross halfway between the Teapot (Sagittarius) and the constellation stars of
Capricornus. These four semi-isolated stars were likely recognized well into prehistory.
Claudius Ptolemy (100 to 170 AD) an Egyptian astronomer referred to the four stars as
Terebellum.
Today, this asterism is referred to as Herman’s Cross. Herman Heyn, a Maryland
amateur astronomer, noticed the four-star pattern in 1986 and widely advertised the
distinctive 2-degree asterism. His name is now associated with the Cross.
Herman’s Cross halfway between the Teapot (Sagittarius) and the constellation stars of
Capricornus. These four semi-isolated stars were likely recognized well into prehistory.
Claudius Ptolemy (100 to 170 AD) an Egyptian astronomer referred to the four stars as
Terebellum.
Today, this asterism is referred to as Herman’s Cross. Herman Heyn, a Maryland
amateur astronomer, noticed the four-star pattern in 1986 and widely advertised the
distinctive 2-degree asterism. His name is now associated with the Cross.