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From today's featured article

A representative sketch of the constellation

Auriga is one of the 48 constellations listed by the 2nd-century astronomer Ptolemy and remains one of the 88 modern constellations. Its name is the Latin word for "charioteer", associating it with various mythological charioteers including Erichthonius and Myrtilus. Auriga is most prominent during winter evenings in the Northern Hemisphere, along with the five other constellations that have stars in the Winter Hexagon asterism. Because of its northern declination, Auriga is only entirely visible as far as 34° south. A large constellation, with an area of 657 square degrees, it is half the size of the largest constellation, Hydra. Its brightest star, Capella, is an unusual multiple star system among the brightest stars in the night sky. The resultant of its position near the winter Milky Way, Auriga has many bright open clusters in its borders, including M36, M37, and M38, popular targets for amateur astronomers. In addition, it has one prominent nebula, the Flaming Star Nebula. In Chinese mythology, Auriga's stars were incorporated into several constellations, including the celestial emperors' chariots, made up of the modern constellation's brightest stars. (Full article...)

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Did you know...

From Wikipedia's newest content:

... that the First Symphony by Joachim Raff (pictured), subtitled An Das Vaterland (To the Fatherland), won the first prize out of 32 entries at a competition in Vienna?

... that British manufacturer Karrimor's formidable reputation for ground-breaking outdoor pursuit equipment was a direct result of its location in Lancashire, and a CEO who was an avid climber and trekker?

... that the ancient Maya architectural complex of Tazumal, in El Salvador, contained some of the earliest known metal artefacts from Mesoamerica?

... that before the inception of the Latin Grammys, the Lo Nuestro Awards were considered the Latin equivalent to the Grammy Awards?

... that Caroline Baird has won Paralympic gold medals in 100m, 200m, and 400m sprints?

... that the Guadalcanal American Memorial was established on 7 August 1992 as a tribute to the Americans and their Allies who lost their lives during the Guadalcanal Campaign?

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In the news

North and South Korea agree to reopen the Kaesong Industrial Region, which was shut down in April due to tensions between the two countries.

The Smithsonian announces the discovery of the olinguito (pictured), the first new carnivoran species found in the Americas in 35 years.

Egypt declares a state of emergency as security forces kill hundreds of demonstrators supporting former president Mohamed Morsi.

The Indian submarine INS Sindhurakshak sinks in Mumbai following onboard explosions.

After sixteen years as a fugitive, mob boss Whitey Bulger is convicted of racketeering and involvement with eleven murders.

Recent deaths: Rosalía Mera

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On this day...

August 17: Independence Day in Indonesia (1945)

986 – Byzantine–Bulgarian Wars: The Bulgarians defeated the Byzantine forces at the Gate of Trajan near present-day Ihtiman, with Byzantine Emperor Basil II barely escaping.

1807 – Robert Fulton's North River Steamboat, the world's first commercially successful paddle steamer, went into service on the Hudson River in New York.

1945 – Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta proclaimed the independence of Indonesia, igniting the Indonesian National Revolution against the Dutch Empire.

1980 – Two-month-old Australian Azaria Chamberlain was taken from her family's campsite at Uluru by a dingo, for which her mother would be convicted of murder.

1999 – A 7.5 M_w earthquake struck northwestern Turkey (damage pictured), killing over 17,000 people and leaving approximately half a million people homeless.

More anniversaries: August 16 – August 17 – August 18

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Today's featured picture

The kris is an asymmetrical dagger from Southeast Asia famous for its distinctive wavy blade, although many have straight blades as well. A kris can be divided into three parts: bilah (blade), hulu (hilt), and warangka (sheath)

Photograph: Chris Woodrich; edits: JJ Harrison

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