Orionurania
Check out this interactive Constellation site!
Officially 88 constellations exist.
Aries, the first constellation of the twelve signs of the Zodiac, its stars forms both head and horns of Chrysomallus, a mythical golden flying “Ram”.
Greek mythology tells the tale of a flying Ram being sent to save Helle and her twin brother Phrixus from death by their hateful stepmother, only the son was saved, after Chrysomallus delivered Phrixus safely to Kolchis {an ancient city near the Black Sea} the ram told Phrixus to sacrifice him, his will was done, as a farewell gift the “Ram” gave his golden hide.
Upon his demise he went into the sky and placed himself amongst the stars, since his golden hide was gone, the “Ram” is not a bright constellation.
The “Big Dipper” is easily located, the seven stars that form the dipper and handle are part of Ursa Major {Big Bear}. The Big Dipper can be used to find true north using the Pointers, the two stars that form the dipper’s edge point to the North Star{Polaris} in Ursa Minor{Little Bear},the Little Dipper, Polaris is the tip of the Little Dipper.
Remember Polaris’s position and never be lost at night again.
The constellation the “Crow” came to be as the tale goes due to the tardiness of the crow in bringing water to Apollo in a cup, the crow dallied feasting on figs, realizing his lateness he captured a water snake to blame for the lengthy task, upon his return, to punish the crow the angered Apollo not believing the tale thrust the trio into the sky, for eternity the crow was kept from the water cup by the folds of the snake enduring perpetual thirst. Unable to reach the water cup its call would no longer be sweet but forever a raspy caw.
Folks always Remember to Look UP!!
Happy star gazing trails
Til our next meet'n
Dick Bloom
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