CONSTELLATION HISTORY
Ever since people first walked the Earth, great attention has been given to the celestial objects in the sky. Throughout human history, across many different cultures, names and mythical stories have been given to the star patterns in the night sky, now what we call constellations.By the 19th century the night sky had become full with overlapping constellation boundaries. Many different astronomy schools made there own star maps and guides. In 1930 the International Astronomical Union said that the names and boundaries were "officially" assigned to 88 constellations, providing complete coverage of the entire sky.
When were the first constellations recorded? Archaeological studies have found possible markings of celestial body's painted on the walls in the cave system at Lascaux in southern France. The first recorded viewing would have happened about 17 300 years ago. It is thought that the Pleiades star cluster is represented alongside the nearby cluster of the Hyades. Originally the constellations were made up by the shapes made by their star patterns, but as the discoveries of celestial body's quickened in the early 20th century, astronomers decided it would be helpful to have an official set of constellations and boundaries. One reason was to aid them in naming new stars, which brighten and fade rather than shine steadily. Such stars are named for the constellation in which they belong to. Therefore it is important that we have boundaries to know where one constellation starts and the next one ends.
When were the first constellations recorded? Archaeological studies have found possible markings of celestial body's painted on the walls in the cave system at Lascaux in southern France. The first recorded viewing would have happened about 17 300 years ago. It is thought that the Pleiades star cluster is represented alongside the nearby cluster of the Hyades. Originally the constellations were made up by the shapes made by their star patterns, but as the discoveries of celestial body's quickened in the early 20th century, astronomers decided it would be helpful to have an official set of constellations and boundaries. One reason was to aid them in naming new stars, which brighten and fade rather than shine steadily. Such stars are named for the constellation in which they belong to. Therefore it is important that we have boundaries to know where one constellation starts and the next one ends.
how do constellations get there names?
The names of constellations and stars come from a variety of sources, each of them have a different meaning. Old constellations’ names usually come from Greek mythology, while the star constellations that were created more recently mostly have names of scientific instruments and exotic animals. However, there are no strict rules and divisions because the stories about how the constellations were created differ from one case to another.
ursa major
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The Ursa Major constellation lies in the northern sky. Its name means “The Great Bear,” or “The Larger Bear,” in Latin. The constellation Ursa Major holds the group of stars commonly called 'The Big Dipper.' The handle of the Big Dipper is the Great Bear's tail and the Dipper's cup is the Bear's body. The Big Dipper is not a constellation itself, but an asterism, which is a distinctive group of stars. Another famous asterism is the Little Dipper in the constellation Ursa Minor, or The Little Bear.
If you are in the northern hemisphere, you can use The Big Dipper to find all sorts of different stars and constellations:
The Big Dipper is one of the most recognizable patterns in the northern sky. In other cultures it was identified as a wagon or cart, a plow, a bull's thigh, or (to the Chinese) the government.
According to some Native American legends, the bowl of the Big Dipper is a giant bear and the stars of the handle are three warriors chasing it. The constellation is low in the sky in autumn evening sky, so it was said that the hunters had injured the bear and its blood caused the trees to change color to red.
If you are in the northern hemisphere, you can use The Big Dipper to find all sorts of different stars and constellations:
- If you draw an imaginary line from Merak through Dubhe (the pointer stars) on the right side of the cup of the dipper and continue going that direction, you will arrive at Polaris, the North Star. Polaris is part of the constellation Ursa Minor.
- Now draw an imaginary line along the handle of the dipper and continue the arc across the sky. Eventually this will lead you to the very bright star, Arcturus in the constellation Boötes. If you continue the arc further, you will reach Spica in Virgo. You can remember this by saying, ''Arc to Arcturus.''
- If you follow the other two stars in the cup of the dipper (Megrez and Phecda) down below the cup, you will get to Regulus, the brightest star in Leo.
The Big Dipper is one of the most recognizable patterns in the northern sky. In other cultures it was identified as a wagon or cart, a plow, a bull's thigh, or (to the Chinese) the government.
According to some Native American legends, the bowl of the Big Dipper is a giant bear and the stars of the handle are three warriors chasing it. The constellation is low in the sky in autumn evening sky, so it was said that the hunters had injured the bear and its blood caused the trees to change color to red.
taurus
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The Greeks saw Taurus as Zeus in disguise. The story went that Zeus fell in love with Europa, the daughter of Agenor who was King of Phoenica. One day while she was playing by the waters edge, she caught sight of a majestic white bull grazing amongst her fathers heard. When she approached the bull, it knelt down and let get on it's back. Once she was on, it sprang to it's feet and took off to the sea in Crete where Zeus made her his mistress.
It also represents the white bull that sired the famous Minotaur with the wife of King Minos of Crete. This bull was sent to Minos as a sign that he was the rightful heir to the throne. However, Minos did not sacrifice the bull to Poseidon like he was supposed to, so the ever-vengeful sea god caused his queen, Pasiphaë, to fall in love with it. Later, in another myth, Theseus of Athens goes to Crete and slays the dreadful Minotaur, which was reported to be a man with a bull's head that could breathe fire.
The Egyptians saw the constellation instead as their god Osiris while the Chinese called it alternatively the "White Tiger" or the "Great Bridge."
It also represents the white bull that sired the famous Minotaur with the wife of King Minos of Crete. This bull was sent to Minos as a sign that he was the rightful heir to the throne. However, Minos did not sacrifice the bull to Poseidon like he was supposed to, so the ever-vengeful sea god caused his queen, Pasiphaë, to fall in love with it. Later, in another myth, Theseus of Athens goes to Crete and slays the dreadful Minotaur, which was reported to be a man with a bull's head that could breathe fire.
The Egyptians saw the constellation instead as their god Osiris while the Chinese called it alternatively the "White Tiger" or the "Great Bridge."
boötes
Some say that Boötes is the most ancient constellation in the sky. Indeed, it has been reconized by numerous cultures in slightly different forms. Even the Greeks were not clear on its history. The first reference to the name Boötes comes from "The Odyssey" by Homer almost three millenia ago.
In one of Boötes most popular incarnations, he is called the Hunter with his Hounds (Canes Venatici). Boötes eternally circles the Bears, Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, around the North Pole. The brightest star in Boötes is Arcturus, which can be translated from Latin to "Bear Guard." Boötes is also called the Herdsman and his journey around the pole represents his task of keeping the celestial beasts together. Another legend says that Bootes was the son of Zeus and Callisto. Hera changed Callisto into a bear who was almost killed by Boötes when he was out hunting. Luckily, she was rescued by Zeus and he took her into the sky where she is now Ursa Major, the Great Bear. |
cassiopeia
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At nightfall, this constellation has more the shape of the letter M, and you might imagine the Queen relaxing in her throne made of stars. At other times of year or night – as in the wee hours between midnight and dawn in February and march – Cassiopeia’s Chair dips below the celestial pole. This constellation then appears, to us on Earth, more like the letter W. It’s then that the Lady of the Chair, as she is sometimes called, is said to hang on for dear life. If Cassiopeia the Queen lets go, she will drop from the sky into the ocean below, where the Nereids must still be waiting.
Cassiopeia was an Ethiopian queen in ancient Greek mythology. According to legend, she boasted she was more beautiful than the sea nymphs called the Nereids. Her boast angered Poseidon, god of the sea, who sent a sea monster (Cetus the Whale) to ravage the kingdom. To pacify the monster, Cassiopeia’s daughter, Princess Andromeda, was left tied to a rock by the sea. Cetus was about to devour her when Perseus the Hero happened by on Pegasus, the Flying Horse. Perseus rescued the princess, and all lived happily. The gods were pleased, so all of these characters were elevated to the heavens as stars.
Cassiopeia was an Ethiopian queen in ancient Greek mythology. According to legend, she boasted she was more beautiful than the sea nymphs called the Nereids. Her boast angered Poseidon, god of the sea, who sent a sea monster (Cetus the Whale) to ravage the kingdom. To pacify the monster, Cassiopeia’s daughter, Princess Andromeda, was left tied to a rock by the sea. Cetus was about to devour her when Perseus the Hero happened by on Pegasus, the Flying Horse. Perseus rescued the princess, and all lived happily. The gods were pleased, so all of these characters were elevated to the heavens as stars.
leo
Leo is the Nemean Lion which was killed by Hercules on one of his great quests. Legend says that the lion had a hide that could not punctured by iron, bronze or stone. Since he couldn't reason with the ferocious beast, Hercules strangled it to death and the local people were very grateful.
The Chaldeans associated Leo with the sun since it is in the sky during the summer solstice (although this is no longer true, due to the precession of the Earth's axis). Since Nile floods around this time, the ancient Egyptians worshipped the celestial lion. You can find Leo in the sky by looking for the "sickle" starting at Regulus (Alpha Leonis) and following the backwards question mark. To find Regulus, use the Big Dipper and use the bottom left star and go straight down. In more modern times (late 1600's that is!), Johannes Hevelius added the constellation |
ursa minor
![Picture](/uploads/4/7/8/7/47875567/1640150.jpeg?250)
The constellation Ursa Minor or The Little Bear, contains the group of stars commonly called the Little Dipper. The handle of the Dipper is the Little Bear's tail and the Dipper's cup is the Bear's body. The Little Dipper is not a constellation itself, but an asterism, which is a distinctive group of stars. Another famous asterism is the Big Dipper in the constellation Ursa Major.
The most famous star in Ursa Minor is Polaris, the North Star. This is the star that is nearest to the North Celestial Pole. If you stood at the north pole, Polaris would be almost directly overhead. If you can spot Polaris in the sky, you can always tell which way is north. In addition, the angle of Polaris above the horizon tells you your latitude on the Earth. Because of this, Polaris was the most important star for navigating at sea.
To find Polaris, first find the Big Dipper. If you follow the two stars at the end cup (the pointer stars) upwards, the next bright star you will run into is Polaris. Because they are so useful for finding the all-important North Star, these two stars are known as the Pointer Stars. They are also called Dubhe and Merak (Merak is the one at the bottom of the cup).
Because the Earth's axis is precessing (like a spinning top wobbles around), Polaris is only temporarily at the North Pole. In about 14,000 years, Vega will be the North Star and another 14,000 years after that, it will be Polaris again. Precession is caused by the the gravitational attraction of the Sun and the Moon. It only happens because the Earth is not quite spherical.
The most famous star in Ursa Minor is Polaris, the North Star. This is the star that is nearest to the North Celestial Pole. If you stood at the north pole, Polaris would be almost directly overhead. If you can spot Polaris in the sky, you can always tell which way is north. In addition, the angle of Polaris above the horizon tells you your latitude on the Earth. Because of this, Polaris was the most important star for navigating at sea.
To find Polaris, first find the Big Dipper. If you follow the two stars at the end cup (the pointer stars) upwards, the next bright star you will run into is Polaris. Because they are so useful for finding the all-important North Star, these two stars are known as the Pointer Stars. They are also called Dubhe and Merak (Merak is the one at the bottom of the cup).
Because the Earth's axis is precessing (like a spinning top wobbles around), Polaris is only temporarily at the North Pole. In about 14,000 years, Vega will be the North Star and another 14,000 years after that, it will be Polaris again. Precession is caused by the the gravitational attraction of the Sun and the Moon. It only happens because the Earth is not quite spherical.
hydra
Hydra, also called the serpent of Lerna, was a beast with the body of a hound and 100 serpentine heads. As if this weren't bad enough, it also had poisonous breath and it was so hideous that it caused most people to die of fear from simply seeing it. One of Hercules' great tasks was to kill this monster. When he started to fight it, he discovered that every time he cut off one of the heads, three grew back in place of it. Seeing this was getting him nowhere, he had his charioteer, Iolus, burn the stump after each time he cut off a head, which prevented the unfortunate regeneration. The last head was immortal, however, so after cutting it off, they trapped it under a rock.
Hydra is a very weird constellation. It is the largest constellation on the sky (with Virgo close behind), but is strung out from Libra to Canis Minor along the southern horizon over about 90 degrees. Believe it or not, it used to be even bigger, but like the old Argo Navis constellation, it was split into four parts. Various stellar cartographers, including Flamsteed and Hevelius, broke the old Hydra into Sextans (the sextant), Crater (the cup), Corvus (the crow) and a new, reduced Hydra. |
the names of all the constellations
1. Andromeda
2. Antlia
3. Apus
4. Aquarius
5. Aquila
6. Ara
7. Aries
8. Auriga
9. Boötes
10. Caelum
11. Camelopardalis
12. Cancer
13. Canes Venatici
14. Canis Major
15. Canis Minor
16. Capricornus
17. Carina
18. Cassiopeia
19. Centaurus
20. Cepheus
21. Cetus
22. Chamaeleon
23. Circinus
24. Columba
25. Coma Berenices
26. Corona Austrina
27. Corona Borealis
28. Corvus
29. Crater
30. Crux
31. Cygnus
32. Delphinus
33. Dorado
34. Draco
35. Equuleus
36. Eridanus
37. Fornax
38. Gemini
39. Grus
40. Hercules
41. Horologium
42. Hydra
43. Hydrus
44. Indus
45. Lacerta
46. Leo
47. Leo Minor
48. Lepus
49. Libra
50. Lupus
51. Lynx
52. Lyra
53. Mensa
54. Microscopium
55. Monoceros
56. Musca
57. Norma
58. Octans
59. Ophiuchus
60. Orion
61. Pavo
62. Pegasus
63. Perseus
64. Phoenix
65. Pictor
66. Pisces
67. Piscis Austrinus
68. Puppis
69. Pyxis
70. Reticulum
71. Sagitta
72. Sagittarius
73. Scorpius
74. Sculptor
75. Scutum
76. Serpens
77. Sextans
78. Taurus
79. Telescopium
80. Triangulum
81. Triangulum Australe
82. Tucana
83. Ursa Major
84. Ursa Minor
85. Vela
86. Virgo
87. Volans
88. Vulpecula
2. Antlia
3. Apus
4. Aquarius
5. Aquila
6. Ara
7. Aries
8. Auriga
9. Boötes
10. Caelum
11. Camelopardalis
12. Cancer
13. Canes Venatici
14. Canis Major
15. Canis Minor
16. Capricornus
17. Carina
18. Cassiopeia
19. Centaurus
20. Cepheus
21. Cetus
22. Chamaeleon
23. Circinus
24. Columba
25. Coma Berenices
26. Corona Austrina
27. Corona Borealis
28. Corvus
29. Crater
30. Crux
31. Cygnus
32. Delphinus
33. Dorado
34. Draco
35. Equuleus
36. Eridanus
37. Fornax
38. Gemini
39. Grus
40. Hercules
41. Horologium
42. Hydra
43. Hydrus
44. Indus
45. Lacerta
46. Leo
47. Leo Minor
48. Lepus
49. Libra
50. Lupus
51. Lynx
52. Lyra
53. Mensa
54. Microscopium
55. Monoceros
56. Musca
57. Norma
58. Octans
59. Ophiuchus
60. Orion
61. Pavo
62. Pegasus
63. Perseus
64. Phoenix
65. Pictor
66. Pisces
67. Piscis Austrinus
68. Puppis
69. Pyxis
70. Reticulum
71. Sagitta
72. Sagittarius
73. Scorpius
74. Sculptor
75. Scutum
76. Serpens
77. Sextans
78. Taurus
79. Telescopium
80. Triangulum
81. Triangulum Australe
82. Tucana
83. Ursa Major
84. Ursa Minor
85. Vela
86. Virgo
87. Volans
88. Vulpecula