Lyra is a small constellation in the northern sky. It represents the lyre, a musical instrument with strings used in antiquity and later times. It was first catalogued by the astronomer Ptolemy in the 2nd century. The constellation is home to Vega, the fifth brightest star in the sky and second brightest star in the northern hemisphere, and the famous variable star RR Lyrae.
Lyra contains two Messier objects – Messier 56 (M56, NGC 6779) and Messier 57 (M57, NGC 6720, Ring Nebula) – and has nine stars with known planets.
In Greek mythology, Lyra represents the lyre of Orpheus. Made by Hermes from a tortoise shell, given to Apollo as a bargain, it was said to be the first lyre ever produced. Orpheus's music was said to be so great that even inanimate objects such as trees, streams, and rocks could be charmed.