AQUARIUS The Water Carrier Report By: Vernice Macunan

AQUARIUS Aquarius is one of the oldest of the recognized constellations along the zodiac (the sun's apparent path).  It was one of the 48 constellations listed by the 2nd century AD astronomer Ptolemy, and it remains one of the 88 modern constellations. It is found in a region often called the Sea due to its profusion of constellations with watery associations such as Cetus the whale,  Pisces the fish, and Eridanus the river. -https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquarius_(constellation)#Notable_features

Greek Mythology Greek legend, however, tells of Ganymede, an exceptionally handsome, young prince of Troy. He was spotted by Zeus, who immediately decided that he would make a perfect cup-bearer. The story then differs - one version telling how Zeus sent his pet eagle, Aquila, to carry Ganymede to Olympus, another that it was Zeus, himself, disguised as an eagle, who swept up the youth and carried him to the home of the gods. In either case, once Ganymede arrived, he had to contend with the wrath of Hera, wife of Zeus. She was annoyed on two counts - firstly, that her husband should have such strong feelings for a mere boy and, secondly, that Ganymede was to occupy the favoured position previously held by her own daughter Hebe, goddess of youth. But Zeus was not to be thwarted and Ganymede, often riding on Aquila and always carrying the golden cup, accompanied the great god on his travels, impressing him with his kindness. This was made manifest when, realizing how in need of water the people on earth were, he pleaded with Zeus to be allowed to help them and was given permission to send down rain. Eventually he was glorified as Aquarius, god of rain, and placed amongst the stars. http://www.heavens-above.com/myth.aspx?con=aqr

List of Major Stars Sadalsuud – β Aquarii (Beta Aquarii) the brightest star in Aquarius. It belongs to a rare class of stars, the yellow supergiants.  Its name comes from the Arabic phrase sa’d al-suud, meaning the “luck of lucks.” Sadalmelik – α Aquarii (Alpha Aquarii) G-type (yellow) supergiant, approximately 800 light years distant. It is 3000 times more luminous than the Sun and has an apparent visual magnitude of 2.950. Its name is derived from the Arabic phrase sa’d al-malik, which means “luck of the king.” Skat – δ Aquarii (Delta Aquarii) The name is derived from the Arabic as-saq, which means leg or shin. Skat is the third brightest star in Aquarius. Sadachbia – γ Aquarii (Gamma Aquarii) has an apparent visual magnitude of 3.84 and is 158 light years distant. Its name is derived from the Arabic phrase sa’d al-axbiyah, which means “luck of the homes” (tents)

List of Major Stars Sadaltager – ζ Aquarii (Zeta Aquarii) another binary star, located at the centre of the water jar asterism. It has an apparent magnitude of 4.42 and is 103 light years distant. Its name comes from the Arabic expression sa’d al-tajir, which means “luck of the merchant.” 

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!