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.

Perseus

Rescuer of Andromeda

Perseus is a northern constellation, named after the Greek hero who slew the monster Medusa.

Perseus Mythology

In Greek mythology, Medusa (Greek for guardian protectress), was a monstrous chthonic female character, essentially an extension of an apotropaic mask, gazing upon whom could turn onlookers to stone.

Further Information

It contains the famous variable star Algol (ß Per), and is also the location of the radiant of the annual Perseids meteor shower.

Perseus Photographs

 

Taken on 2005-11-06, 1 views

 

Taken on 2005-11-20, 1 views