Cassiopeia - an interesting constellation of the northern latitudes.This modest at first glance, the combination is composed of 90 celestial bodies.They can be seen just looking at the sky, of course, with a good view of the city and the lack of exposure.
Legend of Cassiopeia
most common version of the legend has it that an Ethiopian queen named Cassiopeia is extremely proud of its beauty.She was so arrogant that she began to compare themselves with younger goddesses, daughters of Poseidon, and scoff at them.Sea God heard and was angry audacious speech.The victim of the wrath of the entire country has become, since the sea around the coasts covered storms hit flood the fields, and the ship began to devour a huge whale.
to save his people, the ruler of the country had to sacrifice Kefeyu own daughter Andromeda, although later she was rescued by Perseus.A very Cassiopeia punishment sea lord sent to heaven.Each year the throne with offending the queen turns over, why she feels terrible anguish.
Later legend relented, and today the constellation Cassiopeia in the sky travels to remind people of the beauty of the ancient queen.
What is the constellation Cassiopeia?
inexperienced astronomers usually firmly know only 5 of the brightest stars, which form the characteristic shape, similar to the Latin letter «W».Thus, the constellation Cassiopeia, the circuit which has a simple, uncluttered form quickly remembered observers.These five stars used in navigation and orientation, their names are of Arab origin.
- orange giant star Schedar - Alpha Cassiopeia - has a brightness of 2.2m.
- Kaf, beta constellation, has a brightness of approx.2.3m.
- Navi - Gamma Cassiopeia, the star of variable brightness from 1m to 3m.This star has an interesting feature: it jokingly name given in honor of NASA astronaut Virgil Ivan Grissom (Virgil Ivan Grissom), iehis middle name read upside down.The older and traditional name stars - Tsikh.
- Rukba - Delta constellation 2.7m.
- Seguin (2.2m), Epsilon Cassiopeia, white and blue giant.
combination of these celestial bodies in the form of the letter "M" - that looks like a constellation of Cassiopeia in the conventional sense.
How to find a constellation?
This constellation can be seen all year round on the territory of the Northern Hemisphere.To observe the firmament choose cloudless night, you may have to leave the city because of the illumination of buildings suppresses brilliance even the brightest stars.You can also use a pair of binoculars.
What should pay attention to find the constellation Cassiopeia?The scheme developed by the search for a long time, focusing on it rather easy to find Cassiopeia.Several times using the scheme, you can easily find the three eyes of the northern constellation.
first find the Big Dipper, or "Big Dipper."Probably, it is difficult to find someone who would not be able to recognize this star cluster.In summer, the Big Dipper is shifted to the northwest, in the autumn - to the north in the winter - in the north-eastern part of the sky, spring - is at its zenith.Through the outer edge of the "bucket", consisting of two stars, a line should be routed to the first bright spot - is the North Star, the tip of the pen "small bucket" or Ursa Minor.
now on the penultimate lights in the handle of the "big bucket" postponed a straight line to the North Star.The line is drawn at a distance, yet look abuts Cassiopeia.If enough attention is to do just enough.
constellation Cassiopeia.Drawing on the points, as an exercise for children
Drawing on the points is a useful exercise, developing artistic talent in children.The drawing of the constellations points to this is added the expansion of the horizon of the child, his interest fueled by the mysteries and beauty of the universe.Starry sky above fascinates and gives food a rich imagination and children, and adults.
Joining Star, you can see how it turns out the whole image, to compare themselves with the ancient people to understand how their interpretation is different from the modern.Each constellation is accompanied by a legend, which is pleasant to listen to, like a fairy tale.So the stars are getting closer and dearer.Drawing constellations and learning their names during the day, the child remembers them better when watching them live at night.This gives rise to systems thinking and artistic flair.Comparing the look of the constellation Cassiopeia and the figure in the sky, the child understands the difference between deep and lively abstract.
constellation Cassiopeia, whose scheme is learned in childhood, remembered for a lifetime.
Do not neglect this exercise and adult beginners in astronomy.For example, to examine the constellation Cassiopeia drawing on points will help you easily and quickly, keen eyes will instantly find the familiar outlines.
Notable objects
In 1752, the famous scientist Tycho Brahe was seen clearly broke out star.However, after 16 months, she went out.Perhaps, the researchers observed a supernova explosion.
most famous star cluster is a playful title salt-and-pepper.It can be seen in binoculars between the stars and Schedar Kaf.In the constellation of the ancient Queen are two galaxies, but, unfortunately, they are only available telescopes.Cassiopeia lies deep in the Milky Way, so rich in interesting objects to study, there are quasars, galaxies, dark, diffuse and planetary nebulae.For the enthusiastic astronomer Cassiopeia will open all its shining treasure.
Very near the constellation of Cassiopeia is her husband and co-ruler of Cepheus, is a combination of light can be seen all over the northern hemisphere.Are nearby and the rest of the legend: Keith, Andromeda, Perseus.What is the constellation Cassiopeia, surrounded by family and old enemies?Presumably, regal and dignified.
Legend of Cassiopeia in the art
reflected in books, paintings and films found all extant ancient legends.I was no exception and the legend of the haughty queen.Over the years, her image has changed from the criminals punished to the proud beauty, flying across the sky.Today, the Queen became the symbol of the bold and regal woman.Artistic view of what looks like a constellation of Cassiopeia, show pictures in a variety of variations.
magic combination of star and always inspired the human drama of talented creators.Constellation Cassiopeia and the legend of her was mentioned in the film "The Green Mile," "Teens in the Universe" and "The Langoliers".Its name is a musical group in her honor to paint.
whole sky shrouded in legend that makes the stars for mankind closer and dearer.
Photographing constellations
With the advent of photographic desire to capture a picture of the sky just gets stronger.Photos from the Hubble Space Telescope have a fascinating effect.Many ordinary fans are sure that such beauty can be created only by using such heavy-duty equipment, but really beautiful pictures can do almost every astronomer.
Of course, it looks like the constellation Cassiopeia (photo taken with specialized equipment), it does not compare to household cameras, but by experimenting with exposure and other shooting parameters, you can achieve good results.For long exposure need a special tripod, compensating motion of the planet relative to the sky.
