Cygnus, the Swan (the Northern Cross)

Cygnus (SIG-nuss) is the constellation (FCPS Starfinder, No. 14, Southern Sky) in the northernmost corner of the asterism known as the Summer Triangle. Three bright stars form the Summer Triangle: Deneb, Vega, and Altair (Deneb, Letter "L," Cygnus; Vega, Letter "C," Lyra; and Altair, Letter "G," Aquila).

For more information about Cygnus, read the transcript of The Northern Cross, the 22 December 1998 StarDate, the daily astronomy-related radio program produced by the McDonald Observatory, University of Texas.

Associated Mythology - Zeus changed himself into a swan when he visited Leda, the wife of the King of Sparta. The offspring of this relationship were Castor and Pollux (the Gemini Twins), Clytemnestra, and Helen of Troy.

Delphinus, the Dolphin

Delphinus (del-FIE-nes) looks like a small, diamond-shaped kite with a tail (FCPS Starfinder, No. 15, Southern Sky). For more information, read the transcript of Delphinus, the 29 June 1998 StarDate radio program.

Associated Mythology - There are many stories associated with the Dolphin. According to Greek mythology, Delphinus (del-FIE-nes) saved the life of the poet-minstrel Arion (when Arion leapt overboard from a ship to escape sailors who threatened his life).

Sagittarius, the Archer (the "Teapot")

Sign of the Zodiac for birthdates between 22 November and 21 December. The stars of Sagittarius (SAJ-eh-TARE-ee-us) supposedly form the shape of a Centaur (SEN-tar); in fact, its shape more closely resembles a "teapot" tipped slightly toward the west (FCPS Starfinder, No. 10, Southern Sky). When the Summer Triangle is high in the sky, the Northern Cross points down along the Milky Way toward Sagittarius, the "Teapot." As you look toward Sagittarius, you are looking toward the center of our galaxy, the Milky Way.

Associated Mythology - Sagittarius, the Archer is aiming his arrow at the heart of Scorpius, the Scorpion (No. 9). Sagittarius was a Centaur (half man, half horse). The son of Saturn, Sagittarius is said to have changed himself into a horse to escape from his jealous wife, Rhea. He died from a scratch he received from a poison-tipped arrow.

Virgo, the Maiden

Sign of the Zodiac for birthdates between 23 August and 22 September. Remember that signs of the Zodiac are "Sun signs," meaning that they appear in the day sky on your birthdate (the Sun is "in" Virgo), therefore Virgo is not visible in the late-August through late-September night skies. Beginning in March (six months after September), Virgo is visible at night for a six-month period ending in August.

A curved line from the arc of the handle of the Big Dipper will pass through Arcturus (ark-TOOR-us), the brightest star in Bootes (boh-OH-teez), the Herdsman; extending the line leads to Spica (SPY-kah), the brightest star in Virgo (VUR-go). Remember the mnemonic: "Follow the arc to Arcturus, then on to Spica."

Associated Mythology - Virgo (or Astraea) was the daughter of Jupiter and Themis, the goddess of justice. In ancient times, the star Spica--meaning "ear of wheat"--was known as the "Star of Prosperity." Spica was associated with the harvest of wheat (the cash crop of the Egyptians) and was worshipped by the Egyptians.

Credits: CoM entries excerpted from Your Guide to the Constellations, by Lowell L. Koontz, former Planetarium Teacher at Edison High School, Fairfax County Public Schools.

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