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.

Coma Berenices

Berenice's Hair

Coma Berenices is a traditional asterism that has since become a constellation. It is located near Leo, and was originally considered Leo's tail.

Coma Berenices Mythology

Coma Berenices has been known as a distinct asterism since ancient Greek times. The Eratosthenes referred to the it as both Ariadne's Hair and Berenices' Hair. Ptolemy referred to it as the lock (of hair); however, he did not list it as one of his 48 constellations, considering it as part of Leo. For many years, Coma Berenices was considered usually as the tuft in Leo's tail, or sometimes as part of Virgo.

Further Information

Coma Berenices contains the North Galactic Pole, at right ascension 12h 51m 25s and declination 27° 07' 48" (epoch J2000.0)

Coma Berenices Photographs

 

Taken on 2006-04-05, 1 views