Constellations
From ancient times people have been observing the stars and trying to find out some pattern in them ,and those patterns are called Constellations. People from various regions have used this constellation for various purposes like it is used for navigation purposes.
People of different regions have classified different constellations and also with different names, like in India the name of one constellation is Saptarishi but in other parts of the world it is called Big dipper
So today, This post is completely dedicated to constellations. You will understand What constellations are ? how are they classified according to different regions of the world and also know about the Top 7 constellations.
Garuda (Aquilla), Image source : Star walk
What are constellations ?
A small group of stars forming a particular pattern in the sky is called Constellation. A constellation has two or more than two stars. Each constellation has its own pattern different from others and can represent any god, animal, human or an object. There are a total of 88 constellations.
What is sky culture ?
The sky culture is a system invented by people to classify constellations with their perspective. There are around 27 sky cultures in the world out of which western sky culture is used in astrology. India has its own sky culture called The indian vedic sky culture.
The Indian sky culture is closely connected to hindu gods and goddesses. One of the greatest astronomers of Indian vedic sky culture Aryabhata, he has played a very significant role for the world to understand the cosmos.
Are stars really close to each other ?
Stars in constellations may appear close to each other but they are having much distance between them. They may appear close to us from earth, but in this 3D world. The stars are having distance between them in light years.
They also may appear close to each other from earth, but if you look at those stars from some different angle then the original distance between them could be visible. In the same way a huge star may appear small from earth due to more distance and a small star may appear big due to its less distance from earth.
Top 7 constellation
There are a total of 88 constellation in western sky culture, and after a small research we have found out The 7 best constellations in the world. These constellations are common in most of the sky culture, so let's look deep inside.
Saptarishi (Big dipper)
Saptarishi, also known as the big dipper in western sky culture, is a group of seven stars. It is present in the northern sky above the horizon. The saptarishi is part of the constellation Ursa major which is the third largest constellation in the world.
Saptarishi (Big dipper), Image source : azcentral
This constellation represents the seven sages who become semi immortal with their use of yogic power. According to scriptures they become a star with all their yogic power and all stars present in the saptarishi constellation are considered as those seven sages.
Mriga (Orion)
Mriga, also known as Orion, is considered by its 7 most bright stars. It is present in the southern western part of the sky and is often visible during summer and winter seasons in india. The Orion has three brightest stars in a line called the Orion belt.
Mriga (orion), Image source : Planet guide
Mriga (orion) is considered as a representation of Shiva's incarnation Nataraja and it is believed that there is a connection between them. In western region Orion is considered as a great hunter according to Greek mythology. The orion is a hunter who is holding a shield and sword in his hands according to Greek mythology.
Ursa major
Ursa major is also known as the big dipper or Great bear is a group of 21 stars out of which the 7 most bright stars are called saptarishi or Big dipper. Ursa major is present in the northern sky above the horizon and is visible throughout the year and best visible during April and May in india. The ursa major is represented in the shape of a bear by many civilizations throughout the world.
Ursa major, Image source : Little astronomy
Ursa minor
Ursa minor is also known as little dipper or little bear, it is a group of 7 stars. It is present in the northern sky sometimes above Ursa major or sometimes below it. It is visible throughout the year and best visible during April and May in india.
Ursa minor, Image source : The planets
Ursa minor is same as saptarishi (big dipper) in shape but the size of ursa minor is small as compared to ursa major. The ursa minor is also represented in the shape of a bear and considered as the son of the ursa major.
Sharmista (Cassiopeia)
Sharmista, also known as Cassiopeia, is a group of 5 stars Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta. The constellation is present in the northern sky and visible in India during winters and most probably during November. Sharmista is significantly known due to its “W '' shape in the sky.
Sharmista (Cassiopeia), Image source : News scientist
Sharmista also known as sharmishta is daughter of daitya king Vrishparva. In western part it is known as Cassiopeia. Cassiopeia is the daughter of Aethiopia and the mother of Andromeda. Cassipeia was placed in the sky as a punishment by Poseidon due to her deeds according to Greek mythology.
Ashlesha (Hydra)
Ashlesha, also known as hydra, is a group of 18 stars. The constellation is present in the southern sky and visible during March and May in india. Ashlesha is the largest constellation in the complete world and is considered as a sea snake present in the sky.
Ashlesha (Hydra), Image source : Astronomy trek
Ashlesha is 9th of 27 nakshatras and is the representation of Naga. Naga are humanoid figures having half body of human and half body of snake . It is also known as hydra in western part. Hydra is considered as a huge snake which got killed by Hercules according to Greek mythology.
Garuda (Aquila)
Garuda constellation also known as aquila is a constellation of 9 stars. It is present in the northern sky and visible during the summer season. The Garuda constellation is a representation of the god Garuda; he is half man and half eagle. And son of Vinta and maharishi kashyapa (one of 7 saptarishi) Garuda is the vahana of Shri Vishnu. It is also known as Aquila. Aquila is an eagle who carries a zeus bolt according to Greek mythology.
Garuda (Aquila), Image source : Star walk
Conclusion
So this was all for today, hope that you have learned something new about space today. Important point of today’s post were -
- A small group of stars forming a particular pattern in the sky is called Constellation.
- There are around 27 sky cultures in the world out of which western sky culture is used to see constellations.
- Stars in constellations may appear close to each other but they are having much distance between them.
- There are a total of 88 constellations in the world.
- Saptarishi is a group of seven stars.
- Mriga (orion) is considered as a representation of Shiva's incarnation Nataraja.
- Ursa major which is the third largest constellation in the world.
- The ursa minor is represented in the shape of a bear.
- Sharmista, also known as Cassiopeia, is a group of 5 stars Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta.
- Ashlesha is the largest constellation in the complete world.
- The Garuda constellation is a representation of the god Garuda.
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