Which constellation is represented by a cup or bowl?

Which constellation is represented by a cup or bowl? Crater is the constellation traditionally represented by a cup.

Its name is the Latin form of the Greek word krater, a large vessel used for mixing wine with water. In Greek mythology, the cup is commonly associated with Apollo and appears perched on the back of Hydra, the water snake. A related myth tells of Apollo’s raven, Corvus, which was sent to fetch water but delayed after finding figs. The raven returned with a cup and a snake as a false excuse, so Apollo placed all three figures in the sky.

Crater was one of the 48 constellations recorded by the second-century astronomer Ptolemy and is one of the 88 modern constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union. It lies near Corvus, Hydra, Leo, Virgo, and Sextans, making those neighboring constellations a frequent source of confusion.

The constellation is relatively faint: none of its stars is brighter than third magnitude. Its brightest star is Delta Crateris, while Alpha Crateris is traditionally called Alkes, an Arabic-derived name meaning “the cup.”