Canis Major, the Great Dog
The brightest star in Canis Major also is the brightest in the entire night sky — brilliant Sirius, which is […]
Auriga, the Charioteer
The constellation has an uncertain origin. It might represent Neptune rising from the sea in a chariot. Or it might
Taurus, the Bull
Aldebaran outshines all the other stars that outline the bull’s face. But Aldebaran isn’t a member of the Hyades cluster
Perseus, the Hero
In classical Greek mythology, Perseus beheaded the snake-headed Medusa to save the princess Andromeda from a nasty sea monster. A
Pegasus, the Flying Horse
Pegasus is a character from Mediterranean mythology, although he’s best known for a couple of myths that he wasn’t part
Cassiopeia, the Queen
The best time to see her is in late fall, when she stands high in the northeastern sky during the
Capricornus, the Sea-Goat
Capricornus looks like a large triangle of fairly bright stars. The brightest stars are side-by-side at the triangle’s western tip.
Scorpius, the Scorpion
The brightest star in Scorpius is Antares, which is in the middle of the scorpion’s curving body. This brilliant red
Sagittarius, the Archer
The constellation originated in Sumeria, then was picked up by the Greeks. But they appear to have missed something in
Lyra, the Harp
The legend of Lyra tells the story of Orpheus, who was given a harp by the god Apollo. Orpheus’ music