| Constellations and Myths |
In 1922, Astronomers officially recognized 88 modern constellations, the bulk of which are based on those listed by the ancient Greeks, who in turn likely inherited them from the Babylonians, and the Sumerians before them.
Many of the constellations in use today have the names of characters from Greek and Roman mythology. These ancient civilizations believed their gods dwelled in the celestial heavens and so naturally looked for and found those gods in the pattern of the stars.
As well as gods, many mortals who had done something heroic got to live in the skies too, as well as the creatures and objects associated with their legends.
The location of many different constellations in the night sky is important, as together with some of their neighbours, they often relate stories from the world of mythology and legend.
| Zodiac Constellations |
The word Zodiac is a Greek word meaning 'pertaining to animals'. The Zodiac constellations are included in the overall list of 88 constellations.
The Zodiac forms a ring of constellations that the Sun seems to pass through in a circular path each year, as seen from the Earth's perspective. This ring is called the ecliptic because it is also the line along which any solar eclipse will occur.
All the planets orbit within this 23.5 degree wide band, against the backdrop of these fixed Zodiac constellations.
| List Of Constellations |
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