boundless space always seems to be especially interesting for people of all ages.The main object of study and observation has been and remains the star.Billions of small planets form the whole system and attract curious glances.Looking at the night sky and fantasies, even thousands of years ago people saw in the stars the outlines of animals, and gave them names.They believed that the sun and planets - the gods who are served with light signs earthly inhabitants.And indisputable was that between the stars, the universe and the Earth there is a connection.Since ancient times, people have learned to guess and predict the stars.Then originated such sciences as astrology (divination by the stars) and astronomy (the study of the stars).
Constellation
study of stars for the people was an exhilarating experience.In order to navigate this vast space, the celestial sphere is divided into sections, which are constellations.Each was given his name.In ancient times, clusters of stars were given the names of the gods and the names of animals, which they resembled.To date, the International Astronomical Union officially recognized 88 constellations.The most famous group of stars in the southern hemisphere: Libra, the Southern Cross and Centaurus.The famous star clusters of the northern hemisphere: Cassiopeia and the Big Dipper constellation Pegasus.Photo, fascinating for its beauty, can be seen in the article.
winged horse in the night sky
In the northern hemisphere night sky can be seen with the naked eye 166 stars that make up the constellation of Pegasus.Next to him are Aquarius, Dolphin, Andromeda, Chanterelles, fish, lizards, small horse and the swan.The area occupied by this cluster of stars, is 1,120 square degrees.This puts the constellation of Pegasus to the 7th place among all the existing ones.For residents of the northern hemisphere winged horse looks upside down.And so this is how Pegasus scheme depicted in ancient atlases.In order to be able to see the image of the star horse, you need to have highly developed imagination.Many try to go to the trick, photographing the constellation Pegasus, a photo of which a person with a little imagination it still does not show, except for clusters of stars.
How to find a constellation?
If you have any knowledge of astronomy and expertise to monitor the stars, then you should be aware of the constellation Andromeda and how it looks.Focusing on the chain of the stars of this constellation, move the view to the west.Take a good look.And for luminaries Andromeda you will see the constellation Pegasus.Another way to find a winged horse - is a focus on the Northern Cross, the stars that border it.
The best time to observe the Pegasus is autumn and the end of summer.For people with little experience and knowledge, it will be easy to find him on the Great Square of Pegasus.
Interesting facts about the constellation Pegasus
All the stars of the constellation Pegasus are related to horses.Their name comes from the Arabic.So Enif translated means "nose", Sheat - "leverage" Markab - "saddle" or "carriage" algenib - "equine stomach."The brightest light (Enif, Sheat and Markab) form the Great Square of Pegasus.Actually, according to him, this constellation can find anyone.
constellation Pegasus has a distinctive specificity: it lacks the star Pegasi Delta.Until 1928, this star, situated between Andromeda and Pegasus, the winged horse belonged.By then it began to refer to Andromeda, Pegasus became so Delta Alpha Andromedae.
interesting fact is that there is a source in the constellation meteor shower Pegasids and several galaxies, including NGC 73331. This Seyfert spiral galaxy image is more often used to present views of our Galaxy.
Myths and Legends of Pegasus
There is not a legend of the constellation Pegasus.In Greek mythology, Pegasus - a snow-white winged horse, born of Poseidon and Medusa.After his birth, he became truly serve Zeus, constantly bringing him lightning and thunder.Also, winged horses used mere mortals, which gifts to the gods.These beautiful and powerful animals serve their masters until their death.
In another version Pegasus emerged from the blood of Medusa, Perseus killed.
Another legend tells the story of the Pegasus constellation that strolling on Helicon, the winged horse struck the rock hoof.And out of this rock originated Hippocrene source (in translation - "horse power").Those who drank the water from this source, getting inspiration.During that Pegasus was nicknamed "Horse Moose."
According to another myth, the gods gave Pegasus Greek hero Bellerophon.He, being able to ride Pegasus, it rose into the air and arrows won a chimera - a terrible monster with a lion's head, goat's body and tail of a dragon.
Because Pegasus carried the faithful service, the gods raised him to the constellations, always leaving the image of a winged horse on the sky.
