Constellations are memorable maps to the stars, dating back many thousands of years.

Many of the constellations are associated with the Gods and Godesses of ancient Greek mythology.

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has divided the sky into 88 official constellations with exact boundaries, so that every direction or location in the sky belongs to one constellation. Astronomers use this as a rough guideline for location objects, e.g. when they say that Mars is in the constellation of Gemini, it can be found within the borders of the constellation. The constellations that the Sun pass through each year are known as the Zodiac.

Andromeda

Daughter of Cassiopeia

Andromeda is a constellation named for the princess Andromeda, which is Greek for Ruler over men.

Andromeda Mythology

In Greek mythology Andromeda was the daughter of King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia of Ethiopia. She was chained to a rock and exposed to the Sea Monster, Cetus, as punishment for her mother's boast of beauty superior to that of the Nereids. Perseus, on his way back from his expedition against the Gorgon, saw her and fell in love with her and promised Cepheus he would free her if she could become his wife. Cepheus agreed and, with the aid of his miraculous weapons, Perseus killed the monster and married Andromeda.

Further Information

If fainter stars, visible to the naked eye, in the constellation are considered, then the constellation takes the form of a female stick-figure, with a prominent belt (as has the constellation Orion), where one arm has something long attached to it, giving the appearance of a female warrior holding a sword.

Andromeda Photographs

 

Taken on 2005-11-06, 117 views

 

Taken on 2005-11-24, 104 views