Mythology in the Stars Constellations

What are Constellations? Constellations are groups of stars that helped people map the skies. The ancient Greeks named constellations after characters in their mythology. In the 17th century, other constellations were discovered and named by astronomers. There are 88 constellations in all.

Orion, The Hunter Orion is one of the most well known constellations. Orion is visible from late fall to early spring. The most distinguishing feature of Orion is the three stars that make up his belt.

Canis Major and Canis Minor Canis Major and Canis Minor are Orion’s dogs. Sirius is the name of Canis Major. He was depicted as having two heads. Procyon is the name of Canis Minor. He is found behind Orion.

Lepus and Taurus Lepus, also known as the Hare, is seen as pursued by Orion and his hounds. Sometimes it is said that the trio is after Taurus, the Bull.

Orion’s Origins The myth of Orion has been known in Greece since 500 BCE. He was known as The Great Hunter or as The Warrior. His father was Poseidon, god of the sea. There are many versions surrounding the death of Orion.

Myth #1 Orion boasted that he was a great hunter, so great that he could kill any animal that roamed the Earth. Gaia, the Earth, heard this and became worried. She feared that he would one day carry out his boasts. She decided that he must be killed. Gaia sent a giant scorpion, called Scorpius, to kill Orion. The scorpion overcame Orion. He was stung in his heel, at the star Rigel, and died. The gods placed Orion and Scorpius in opposite ends of the sky. Orion flees before the scorpion every spring, when it is his turn to be in the sky.

Myth #2 Artemis, the goddess of the hunt, the moon, and childbirth fell in love with Orion. Her twin brother, Apollo, the god of medicine, music, and the sun, became very jealous and plotted to kill Orion. When Orion was swimming one day, Apollo dared his sister to hit the target in the water. Artemis did not know it was Orion. She proceeded to draw her bow and shot Orion in the head. When his body washed up to shore, she was horrified at what she had done. Artemis placed his body in the sky as a memorial.

Ursa Major and Ursa Minor Ursa Major and Ursa Minor are also known as the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper. Ursa Major is made up of bright stars that are spread out. Ursa Minor is a fainter version of Ursa Major. These constellations were introduced in 600 BCE.

Myth Of Ursa Major and Ursa Minor In Greek mythology, Callisto was a companion of the goddess Artemis. Artemis and all her companions had taken vows of chastity. Zeus, however, fell in love with her and seduced her. She became pregnant and had a son, Arcas. Hera, Zeus’ wife and queen of the gods, became so enraged that she turned Callisto into a bear. Callisto lived in the forest. When her son was older he was hunting and spied Callisto as a bear. As he was about to kill her, Zeus turned him into a bear as well. Zeus then placed Ursa Major and Ursa Minor in the heavens.

Another Group of Constellations The constellation of Perseus is depicted as holding the head of Medusa. The brightest star in Andromeda’s constellation is the Alpheratz, which indicates her head.

Cassiopeia is shown sitting in a chair. The constellation Cepheus is not too bright, but still noticeable. It is located to the west of Cassiopeia.

The constellation of Pegasus is next to Andromeda and very obvious. The stars of Cetus are very faint. It is made up of UV Ceti that is actually two red dwarfs 9 light years away.

The Myth Cepheus was king of Ethiopia. His wife was named Cassiopeia. She was very beautiful, but also very vain. She bragged about her beauty and the beauty of her daughter, Andromeda. The Nereids complained to Poseidon about Cassiopeia. As punishment, Poseidon had Andromeda chained to a rock. The monster, Cetus (that was actually a whale) was going to eat the girl.

Then the hero Perseus came by Then the hero Perseus came by. He had just freed the winged horse , Pegasus from the Gorgon, Medusa. He offered to save Andromeda in exchange for her hand in marriage. The frantic parents agreed and Andromeda was saved. When the girl was safely with her parents, Cassiopeia changed her mind. Perseus became enraged, killed everyone there and carried Andromeda off as his bride.

Poseidon placed Cepheus and Cassiopeia in the sky Poseidon placed Cepheus and Cassiopeia in the sky. But as further punishment for Cassiopeia he put her in a chair near the Pole Star. She spends half of the year upside down. Perseus, Andromeda, Pegasus and Cetus were also put up above for all to see.

Zodiac Constellations In the winter sky there are six zodiac constellations visible: Aries, the Ram Taurus, the Bull

Gemini, the Twins Cancer, the Crab

Leo, the Lion Pisces, the Fish