Antares is a star located in the constellation Scorpio. It is one of the brightest objects visible to the naked eye. Following the Arab tradition, Antares is often called the heart of Scorpio. Throughout human history, he has attracted the attention of astrologers and mystics of the most different peoples. Today Antares is a star that is described in sufficient detail in scientific works and is of interest to many space explorers.
Name
If you look closely, it is easy to understand that the name of the star is of Greek origin. Antares means "against Ares". The luminary got its name because of its color. The red star is very similar to Mars, which is why it began to be designated that way (Roman Mars is an analogue Greek god Ares wars). Another name (the heart of Scorpio) is associated with the Arab mystical tradition.
ancient mysteries
Antares is a star whose light has attracted the attention of a considerable number of mystics at all times. It is known that some ancient temples in Egypt were built so that the light of the heart of Scorpio could enter the room. In the late Roman tradition and then in the Dark Ages, Antares was called the guardian of the west and was considered one of the fallen angels.
In astrology, this luminary is also assigned not last role: It belongs to a group called "Fixed Stars". Antares is opposed to Aldebaran, associated with the vernal equinox, and is considered a symbol of decay and completion.
physical characteristics
Astrophysicists also have a lot to say about this object. Antares is a red supergiant with huge dimensions and low density. If you put it in the place of the Sun, it will occupy all the space up to the orbit of Mars. Antares belongs to the spectral class M, its diameter is estimated at 2.1 * 10 9 km. In terms of mass, it exceeds the Sun by 15-18 times. Antares is significantly ahead of our star in terms of luminosity. It radiates in the visible and infrared ranges in the amount of 65 thousand times more energy than the Sun. The distance from our planet to the heart of Scorpio is approximately 600 light years.
Dual system
Antares is a star that has a companion. At a distance of approximately 2.9 arc seconds from the main element, there is another object. Antares B is a hot blue star of the fifth magnitude. The Companion was discovered in 1819 by the Austrian astronomer Johann Tobias Bürg. The scientist observed the moon's occultation of the star Antares and noticed an unknown object. The companion revolves around the center of the system with a period of 878 years.
It should be noted that the blue star could have been seen earlier, if not for the brightness of the main component of the system. Under existing conditions, Antares B can only be seen through a telescope during the occultation of the star by the Moon. The blue companion becomes noticeable only for a few seconds, the rest of the time it is overshadowed by the main element of the system.
The star Antares, whose photos are found in large numbers on specialized resources, is a fairly bright object in the night sky. Unlike its companion, it is clearly visible to an observer not armed with a telescope or binoculars. It is best to admire the luminary in the southern regions of our country, but you can also find it in the central part of Russia, however, the star does not rise quite high above the horizon in these latitudes. The ideal time for observation is May 31. On this day, the star is exactly opposite the Sun.
Thus, the heart of Scorpio, which has attracted the attention of man since ancient times, remains the object of close observation today. Astrologers and astronomers study its properties, seek to understand the nature of the star, to discover its secrets.
An area of the sky with many bright stars called Scorpio is located in the southern part of the sky. As you know, this is one of 12. This area covers 497 square degrees. Which, one might say, defines it as not the largest, but significant in terms of the area it occupies.
The constellation Scorpio borders Altar and Ophiuchus. It also lies between Libra and Sagittarius. Also adjacent to the Wolf, Square and South Crown.
It is obvious that the name was given to him due to the shape, which resembles the head, body and curved tail of a scorpion.
Myth
According to legend, Zeus had a daughter, Artemis. Although she was a woman hunter, she was very touchy and vengeful. Once she had an argument with Orion. Then, out of anger, she sent a scorpion to him, which bit him on the heel. In gratitude, Artemis turned the animal into a constellation.
Stars
Alpha in the constellation Scorpio Antares. By the way, its position determines the heart of the animal figure. In truth, this is a binary system consisting of red and blue-white supergiants.
Beta - multiple grouping of stars Akrab. Often denotes the claws of a scorpion.
Lambda - Shaula is a system with three visible stars. Lambda implies a raised tail.
Delta - Jubba is a luminary that has a satellite. Translated means forehead.
Theta is a yellow giant. By analogy with the previous one, it has its own satellite.
Epsilon is a variable giant, and Kappa is Girtab it is a double star.
But, for example, Pi, Nu and Xi Scorpio are multiple systems.
An iota is expressed by a single evolved star and a supergiant.
Sigma, like many in the constellation, is a whole system of luminaries. However, there is Tau, a stellar dwarf with a powerful magnetic field.
However, Upsilon and Eta are subgiants.
To the delight of scientists studying the constellation, it contains U Scorpio. Why did she deserve attention? This is one of ten repeated new stars that are known in . According to astronomers, it is very fast.
At the same time, G Scorpio is an orange-colored giant.
But Omega consists of two luminaries: a dwarf and a giant. Similarly, Zeta is divided into it. Only it contains one hypergiant and one orange giant.
Rho is expressed as a double luminary with the main element - a subgiant. Interestingly, Mu is not just two stars, but two star systems.
It is obvious that Scorpio has many complexes of systems. Moreover, there are many individual stars in the constellation. Undoubtedly, each of them is interesting in its own way.
I have stars in the sky, but I miss the little lamp that was not lit in my house.
"Rabindranath Tagore"
celestial objects
Messier 6, or Butterfly, is an open cluster of stars. It is likely that the shape resembles a flying insect.
Finally, astronomers discovered several globular clusters in the part of the sky under consideration. Rightfully, they are Messier 4. It is noteworthy that it was in it that for the first time they were able to single out the stars separately.
Also, for example, opened Cluster of Ptolemy. It got its name in honor of the scientist who discovered it. Although he believed that the object is a nebula. It was only later that it was classified as a cluster. It was located near the sting.
In addition, in the constellation there is one of the densely populated globular clusters Messier 80.
In addition, there are nebulae in Scorpio:
- cat paw,
- Butterfly, or beetle,
- NGC 6072,
- NGC 6357, called War and Peace.
Asterisms constellation Scorpio
The bizarre configuration of bright stars in the tail region is scorpion sting. It must be assumed that the alpha of Scorpio Antares is taken as the beginning. And a large number of stars that form a sting makes a more similar and well-defined figure.
Interestingly, in modern astronomy Sting is often called Fish hook. Probably because the view swirling with luminaries resembles this element.
In addition, asterism is distinguished in the constellation Cat's eyes. It is formed by the stars Lamba and Epsilon located at the end of the tail.
Observation
Since in the sky the constellation Scorpio is located close to the center of our galaxy, it is easy to find.
Interestingly, the Sun passes through it the fastest. Astronomers recorded the period of this movement, from 23 to 29 November.
However, the best time for observation is May and June.
We can say with confidence that the southern constellation of Scorpio in the sky is one of the most ancient and famous areas. By the way, the bright stars of Scorpio served as a guide for our ancestors.
Time to dive into one of the most intense and beautiful zodiac constellations - Scorpion. The constellation belongs to the southern hemisphere of the sky, but in May-June it is also partially observed from the northern latitudes. What you see will pleasantly surprise you! Charles Messier at one time brought objects from the constellation into his 4th deep sky.
Legend and history
Scorpion- one of the oldest constellations. Also listed in the catalog of Claudius Ptolemy "Almagest". In Greek mythology, there are at least 10 interpretations of the origin of this constellation. According to one of them, the name comes from the scorpion that mortally stung Orion. You may have noticed that the constellation Scorpio is located in the opposite part of the sky from the constellation Orion, some believe that this is due to a precaution in order to avoid subsequent conflicts. "When Scorpio rises in the east, Orion hurries to hide in the west".
Characteristics
| Latin name | Scorpius |
| Reduction | sco |
| Square | 497 sq. degrees (33rd place) |
| right ascension | From 15h40 to 17h50 |
| declination | From −45° 30′ to −8° |
| The brightest stars< 3 m) | 13 stars in total; the brightest: |
| Number of stars brighter than 6 m | 100 |
| meteor showers |
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| neighboring constellations |
|
| constellation visibility | +45° to -90° |
| Hemisphere | Southern |
| Time for observation on the territory Belarus, Russia and Ukraine | May June |
The most interesting objects to observe in the constellation Scorpio
Let's start our acquaintance with the constellation from its northern part, namely from "pincers" scorpion. There are several reflection and emission nebulae, the famous globular clusters M4 And M80, as well as several bright stars led by Antares (α Sco). Below I give an atlas of this section of the starry sky, and after it, objects accessible for observation even in an amateur deep-sky telescope.
"Claw" Scorpio
1. Globular star cluster M 4 (NGC 6121)
M4- one of the first globular star clusters studied in detail. The Swiss astronomer Jean de Chezo in 1746 is considered to be the discoverer. Eighteen years later, in 1764, the cluster was cataloged by Charles Messier. The brightness of the cluster is 5.6 m, the apparent dimensions are 36.0', and the linear diameter is 55 light years. At the moment, about 50 are open.
Near M4 there is a smaller globular cluster NGC 6144:
Many of you may naively assume that a 7.4′ globular cluster with a magnitude of 9 m can be easily seen even with an amateur telescope. But that's not true. We again return to the strong illumination from neighboring stars and wander for a long time in the vicinity, where the cluster should be NGC 6144. I spent about 30 minutes, the result is negative. You try in every possible way to “remove” Antares from the field of view of the eyepiece, but the light from this star makes the sky bright and inaccessible for studying even such deep-sky objects. I hope you have more luck.
Another shot of a pair of clusters along with a star σSco or Alniyat (clickable image):
Clusters M 4 and NGC 6144
3. Globular Star Cluster M 80 (NGC 6093)
M80- a globular star cluster with a brightness of 7.9 m and apparent angular dimensions of 10.0 ′. Linear diameter - 72 light years, removed from the Sun at a distance of 27400 light years. It is believed that this cluster is one of the densest in our Milky Way galaxy. All in all M80 contains about 100 thousand stars.
The "balloon" is far from bright stars and is easily searched for at low magnifications. Outwardly, this cluster looks like a comet.
Reflection nebulae generally do not reflect any light themselves. That is, it is light reflected from nearby stars. Traditionally IC 4605 this is thought to be a blue bright patch in the upper left corner of the image (similar to a spaceship), but in fact two dark patches of the sky (Barnard Nebula) are also included in the nebula IC 4605. In a telescope, during visual observation, unfortunately, clusters are not visible even when using narrow-band filters.
Astronomers-photographers are trying to capture this nebula along with a couple of others from the constellation Ophiuchus. IC 4603 And IC 4604. This area is also signed in some sources as Antares Nebula. Pay attention to the diagram of the nebulae below, I hope this will become clearer:
5. Blue Horsehead Reflection Nebula (IC 4592)
Just don't confuse this "head" IC 4592 with the Horsehead Nebula ( IC 434) in the constellation. This is a faint reflection nebula that can show the outline of a head at slow shutter speeds. Go back to the constellation atlas for a moment and note the size of this nebula, over 2.3°. For several spring nights in a row, my colleagues tried to photograph her at long exposures, until there was no result. Neighboring stars strongly illuminate the frame, while the nebula itself does not appear.
We go down even lower to the horizon, we find an open cluster visible to the naked eye M7(shaped like a pinwheel) and stop. Here is something to hold your eyes on and what to document:
6. Open star cluster M 7 (NGC 6475 or the Ptolemy Cluster)
M7 or the Ptolemy Cluster, or the Scorpion's Tail - an open cluster that is clearly visible to the naked eye. One of the oldest and previously documented clusters in the sky. Claudius Ptolemy was the first to document a "handful" of stars in his notes. M7 consists of about 80 stars scattered over a distance (angular diameter) of about 1.3°. The cluster is 800 light years away from us. The linear diameter is 18 light years. With a visible size of 80′, it has a brightness of 3.3 m. The brightest star in the cluster has a magnitude of 5.6m.
In addition to the dark area, which is clearly visible on astroimages, the globular cluster NGC 6453 hid next to the open cluster. Due to the high concentration of stars, the cluster is often ignored and not noticed, but we will not do this and designate some characteristics for it.
Faint (10.2 m) globular cluster NGC 6453 has an angular size of 7.6′ and is located next to a large and bright open cluster M7. On the Internet, as well as among astronomy lovers, this cluster is unpopular and poorly understood. Due to the strong illumination of the neighboring cluster and the very high density of background stars, the cluster can be easily missed even when the eyepiece is pointed directly at this "globular". Try to distinguish it from the background stars and distinguish its structure, maybe even one of you will be able to make sketches or see some bizarre, but well-remembered shape for you. Remember how with globular clusters.
8. Globular star cluster NGC 6441
globular cluster NGC 6441 by itself is not as beautiful as paired with a double star - an orange giant G Sco. The apparent dimensions of the cluster are 9.6′, while the brightness is 7.2 m . At low magnifications, it looks like two bright and large stars that compete with each other “who is in charge”.
Below is a more detailed snapshot of the cluster, in which the star Fayu (Fuye) or simpler G Sco does not interfere:
We don’t go far, we find an open cluster NGC 6400. A very ambiguous cluster, some do not consider it a group of associated interacting stars at all. The cluster has other names: Phantom cluster or John Silver cluster. The latter is a fictional character from the novel Treasure Island.
The brightness of the cluster is 12.0′, the visible dimensions are 8.8 m.
Another little-known open cluster - NGC 6396. It would be surprising if we did not get acquainted with many open clusters in the Milky Way band. This cluster has about 15-20 stars, has a small size (3.0 ′), while the brightness is 8.5 m. It is located in the same way as the previous ones, not far from the large accumulation of Ptolemy.
11. Open star cluster M 6 (NGC 6405 or Butterfly cluster)
Another pearl of the constellation Scorpio is an open cluster M6. Due to its shape, resembling a butterfly with spread wings, the cluster is sometimes called "Butterfly".
Consists of about 80 stars with a total brightness of 4.2 m and an angular diameter of 25 ′. The distance from the Sun is approximately 20 light years.
You may have noticed how “colored” and uneven the background is. In this area, there is a process of active star formation, a lot of dark, diffuse and reflective nebulae, which are so clearly visible in astrophotography. With a telescope (or astronomical binoculars), when observed, the cluster will look something like this:
The image above shows that most of the stars in the cluster are hot blue giants, however, one star is an orange giant K. This is a variable star that changes its brightness from 5.5 to 7m.
Near the investigated cluster M6 there is another open cluster NGC 6416, which is often observed in pairs:
A pair of clusters M 6 (right) and NGC 6416 (left)
Compared to neighboring cluster M6 given NGC 6416 does not look so bright and memorable. However, using wide-angle eyepieces and low magnification will give you a great picture and scale of star coalitions. The brightness of the studied cluster is 5.7 m , the apparent angular dimensions are 15.0'.
We raise the telescope tube a few degrees and notice another bunch of bright stars - this is an open cluster NGC 6425. Brightness - 7.2 m , visible dimensions - 10.0'. Consists of about 40 stars of 11-14 magnitudes.
One degree west of the cluster, there is a bright 4.5m star that can serve as an excellent guide when looking for the cluster. Although, it should be noted that such accumulations to M6 And M7 would be the best starting points for finding neighboring clusters and nebulae.
We rise again and approach close to the constellation Scorpio, on the border with it there is another cluster - NGC 6451. Visible dimensions - 8.0', brightness - 8.2 m. This, like the last few clusters discussed above, lies in the band of the Milky Way and in the clearest weather, the concentration of stars can simply confuse and confuse even the most professional deep-sky finders. Try to still separate the object under study and the stars in the background. Open clusters should not be studied at high magnifications: neither aesthetic nor practical use you won't get it. 25-50 times is enough to study and see the entire cluster.
In the name of the cluster, you could notice two serial numbers at once: NGC 6374 And NGC 6383. This happens and it happens most often due to the fact that initially NGC 6374 separated as an open cluster, a little later appeared NGC 6383, which stands for nebula. However, scientists later found out that this is the same object and decided to combine it. Thus, no matter which number is easier for you to remember or use, you will study the same object - a cluster with a nebula. Although it is also worth noting that the nebula as such is very difficult to distinguish, even with fast optics and long exposure. When looking through the eyepiece of a telescope, you will see an image similar to the image above.
The brightness of the cluster is 5.5 m , while the apparent angular dimensions are 20.0'. This is a large cluster, in the center of which there is a rotating variable binary star with a magnitude of 5.75 m.
Initially, I did not want to include this cluster NGC 6404 in the review of the constellation Scorpio because of its weak brightness (10.6 m) and small size 6.0 ′, but then I decided: since I got it, I need to finish the job.
open cluster NGC 6404 really very dim, the complexity of observation is added by the neighboring M6. The brightest star in the cluster has a brightness of 15th magnitude, but in total there are about 25 stars of 15-17 magnitudes.
17. The emission nebula with the open cluster Omar (NGC 6357)
(image clickable)
We did not noticeably approached the very "heart" of the constellation, to the most "tidbit" piece, to lobster nebula or else you can find a loud name - Nebula "War and Peace".
Scorpion - beautiful constellation occupying 497 sq. degrees of heaven. It is located in the Southern Hemisphere and pleases everyone with good visibility in May - June. It was recorded by Ptolemy in the 2nd century, and since then people have been watching the celestial arthropod. Although the first mention of the constellation was 5 thousand years ago, long before the Greek studies of the sky and its inhabitants.
Once the constellation occupied a large area, it included the body, sting and claws of Scorpio. But the Romans defeated it, giving part to Libra.
Myths about Scorpio
There is a sad but instructive story associated with this constellation. Helios (the sun god) married the daughter of Thetis, the mistress of the sea. Clymene gave birth to Helios the son of Phaethon, who was not awarded immortality, and his name meant "flaming."
When the boy grew up, he began to ask his father for permission to ride a fiery chariot, which he had dreamed of all his childhood. Parents dissuaded the young man, but Phaeton insisted. The chariot ride was breathtaking, a dream come true. But unexpectedly, the path was blocked by an unprecedented monster - an arthropod scorpion. The young man was taken aback and released the reins. This moment was enough for the horses to realize freedom and rush to the stars.
Before the gates of heaven, the chariot turned back home to Earth. A great fire began where the fiery horses raced. Only Zeus managed to extinguish it by destroying the chariot and dispersing the horses. The phaeton fell into the water and drowned.
According to another legend, it follows that the great hunter Orion was in love with Artemis and tried to win her favor by force. In retaliation, the beauty sent him poisonous scorpion who took the life of an unfortunate hunter.
The most beautiful stars of Scorpio
Antares is a bright red supergiant and the first star in Scorpio. Its radius is 883 times greater than the solar one, its mass is 18 times, and in brightness it exceeds the Sun by 10 thousand. Age - 12 million years. Translated from ancient Greek means "rival of Mars." The luminary has a satellite, which is smaller and brighter. Antares is the heart of Scorpio.
Shaula is a star system of 3 components. It is the second brightest in Scorpio, its age is about 13 million years, it is 700 light years away from the Earth. Translated from Arabic means "raised tail".
Akrab is a system of several stars. The name translates as "scorpion". The largest 2 stars in the system are 10 times larger than the Sun in mass. They are expected to explode soon.
Dshubba personifies the forehead of an arthropod and means the same in translation from Arabic. The star is a bright yellow giant that is 300 light-years away from us. It has a smaller satellite.
People born under the sign of Scorpio are more likely to sting themselves than others. They really need understanding and original gifts. Such a gift can be from the virtual Galaxy.
Compatibility horoscope: what the sign of scorpio looks like in the sky - the most complete description, only proven theories based on astrological observations of several millennia.
The constellation Scorpio (Scorpius), how to find in the sky, what is it?
Where is the constellation Scorpio located?
How to see the constellation in the starry sky?
What is the constellation Scorpio?
The constellation Scorpio is very beautiful, bright and easily recognizable. It can only be fully observed in the southern hemisphere.
But in the northern hemisphere, Scorpio is visible in the south in the summer months very low above the horizon (south of Ophiuchus), and even then not completely (its most beautiful part - the sting - never appears above the horizon).
The constellation consists of many bright stars, is located entirely in the Milky Way, contains many bright open star clusters.
According to ancient Greek mythology Scorpio inflicts a fatal bite on Orion, so the ancient astronomers said that when Scorpio appears above the horizon, Orion hides behind the horizon so as not to meet mortal enemy. Therefore, Scorpio and Orion cannot be seen together in the sky.
Constellations of zodiac signs. Zodiac signs: constellations in the sky
Bright stars in the sky form characteristic figures. Such clusters are called constellations. People always look at the stars for a long time, trying to unravel the mystery of their cosmic origin. They want to find among the constellations those that they once read or heard about. Twelve of the heavenly figures are the constellations of the signs of the zodiac. Legends are associated with each of them, telling about its discovery and explaining its name. What are these zodiac signs?
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The zodiac is a certain belt of the sky, along which some planets, the Moon and the Sun move, passing 12 constellations on their way. Since they are located in the zodiacal field, they got their name - the constellations of the zodiac. Each of them in ancient astrology was designated or accompanied by a certain symbol, which is called the sign of the zodiac. Here is such a simple story of how the constellations of the zodiac signs appeared.
How many of them are
The sun goes around a large circle of the celestial sphere in a year. This circle (called the zodiac, only 360 degrees) is divided into 12 sectors of 30 degrees each, which got their name from the constellations that the Sun passes on its way.
Each month corresponds to the sign of the zodiac in which the Sun makes its movement in this month. Once upon a time, the constellations of the zodiac signs served as a calendar for people, since the Sun traveled in each of them for about a month. But since the vernal equinox is constantly moving (in 70 years by 1 °), the Sun today moves not one, but two adjacent constellations for one month, but the designations that existed earlier for months have been preserved. In the constellation of Virgo, the Sun moves for the longest time - 44 days, and the constellation of Scorpio, the Sun passes in 6 days. In fairness, it should be noted that the Sun between November 30 and December 18 passes another cluster of stars - Ophiuchus, but it so happened historically that he did not get a month, and he was not included in the constellations of the zodiac signs.
Origin of names
Each constellation of the signs of the zodiac people have come up with their own name. According to one version, the origin of the names of the signs of the zodiac correspond to the exploits of Hercules. Other versions are based on ancient Greek myths about the gods of Olympus. Each name and sign has its own legend. It is interesting that, despite the ancient Greek origin, all the names of the signs of the zodiac have been written in Latin since ancient times.
To date, astrologers call 12 signs of the zodiac, united by 4 elements:
- earth - Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo;
- water - Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces;
- fire - Aries, Leo, Sagittarius;
- air - Libra, Aquarius, Gemini.
According to mystical teaching, the signs of the zodiac - constellations in the sky - endow people born under them (that is, in a month when the Sun passes a certain constellation) with certain character traits.
Aries constellation
The first spring months - March and April (21.03 - 20.04) - correspond to the zodiac sign Aries. The constellation Aries consists of 20 stars. Mezartim, Sharatan, Gamal are the three brightest stars of Aries. About 2000 years ago, the place of the vernal equinox was in Aries. According to astronomers, she will not return here soon, but after a long 24,000 years.
One of the myths tells how Aries saves Frix with Gella, two children who, at the behest of the evil stepmother Ino, must be sacrificed. The fate of the children was different, but the memory of the golden-fleeced lamb was forever preserved by the starry firmament.
Constellation Taurus
Taurus (April 21 - May 21) is a very noticeable constellation, an attentive observer will see up to 130 of its stars, 14 of them can be seen especially clearly. The brightest are Aldebaran, Nat and the star of Alcyone and Zeta Taurus. This constellation is the point of the summer solstice.
According to one of the legends, Taurus is identified with Zeus. He adopted this image in order to kidnap Europa, the daughter of the Phoenician king.
In the constellation of Gemini, you can see about 70 stars, two of which - Castor and Pollux - are the brightest. The boundless brotherly love of Castor and Pollux, which ancient Greek myths tell about, prompted people to find two shining heavenly stars and call them twins. The sign corresponds to May and June (22.05 - 21.06).
Constellation Cancer
The summer months - June and July (22.06 - 23.07) - correspond to the zodiac sign Cancer. The constellation Cancer is very large and at the same time the weakest, it is lost against the background of its bright neighbors-brothers Leo and Gemini. In good weather, about 60 stars of the constellation can be seen at night without telescopic instruments. The brightest is Altarf or Beta Cancer.
The legend connects the appearance of this constellation in the sky with the name of Hercules' irreconcilable rival Hera, it was she who brought the sea monster there, which bit Hercules during the battle with the Hydra. Although according to legend it was not a cancer, but a crab, astronomers liked the first name more.
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Constellation Leo
According to the constellation Leo (July, August), another zodiac sign is named. The constellation Leo is the brightest in the zodiac family. Its largest star is called Regulus, which means king. The constellation is also interesting because in November, once every 33 years, you can see star showers of a meteor shower in it.
The mythological Nemean lion (with which the appearance of the constellation is associated), born of a half-woman half-snake Echidna, was able to defeat the illegitimate son of Zeus Hercules. And the great thunderer immortalized the victory of his son, raising the defeated monster to heaven.
Constellation Virgo
Virgo is a large cluster of stars in the zodiac, 164 of its stars are visible without a telescope and spyglass. The brightest is Spica. In our era, the point of the autumn equinox is located in the constellation Virgo. The zodiac sign corresponds to August and September.
Numerous legends connect the Virgin either with Rhea, the mother of Zeus, or with Themis, or Gaia, mother earth.
Constellation Libra
Libra - the months of September and October. Once its constituent stars were part of the constellation Scorpio, but, moving away, subsequently formed a new constellation. The origin of the constellation is associated with the daughter of Zeus Astrea, who, without getting tired, walked the earth, evaluating the unfair and just deeds of people with the help of scales.
Consists of 83 stars, the brightest of which are Zuben el Shemali and Zuben el Genubi.
Among the signs of the zodiac, Scorpio has found its place. It's southern zodiac constellation- one of the brightest in the sky, it has 17 stars, the brightest of which is Antares.
As the myths tell, Scorpio, who mortally stung the young hunter Orion, settled forever next to him in heaven. This zodiac sign corresponds to October and November.
Sagittarius (November and December) is the brightest cluster of stars. 115 stars of the constellation will appear before the attentive gaze of the observer, of which 14 stars are very bright, Alnazl, Albaldakh, Kaus Borealis, Kaus Meridianalis, Askella, Nunki and Kaus Australis hold the championship.
This is very interesting part sky. There are three nebulae, the center of the galaxy and a supermassive black hole. The constellation Sagittarius is the point of the winter solstice.
Sagittarius is the image of a mighty mythological centaur, forever rushing across the sky.
The Capricorn zodiac sign corresponds to December and January. Without telescopic equipment, 86 stars in this cluster can be seen. Beta Capricorn is the brightest of all.
There are many legends about this constellation. In ancient Greek mythology, it is said that Capricorn was the son of Hermes. He, frightened by the hundred-headed Titan, rushed into the sea. After that, his appearance changed greatly, he turned into a goat with a fish tail. The gods were amazed at the sight of the monster and took him to heaven.
Aquarius (months of January and February) is another large cluster of stars on the solar path, seven stars in it are the brightest. Aquarius is clearly visible at night from August to October. Closer to the second half of summer, active meteor showers can be observed in the constellation. Aquarius is also famous for the fact that it contains a huge and closest to the Earth nebula Snail. The name of the constellation, according to ancient legends, means "master of the waters."
The constellation of the zodiac sign Pisces corresponds to February and March. The largest star in the constellation is Alrisha. There are 75 visible stars in the cluster. This is the vernal equinox.
According to mythological legends, fish are Akida and Galatea in love. Pursued by the Cyclops Polyphemus, who was in love with Galatea, they, in order not to be separated, rushed into the depths of the sea and were swallowed up by it. The gods took the lovers to heaven and gave them eternal life in the constellation Pisces.
Scorpio (constellation)
Scorpion(lat. Scorpius) - the southern zodiac constellation, located between Sagittarius in the east and Libra in the west, entirely in Milky Way, borders Ophiuchus in the north and Altar in the south. The Sun enters the constellation of Scorpio on November 23, but leaves it on November 29 (this constellation of the Sun passes in the shortest time) to move into the non-zodiacal constellation of Ophiuchus for 20 days. Many bright stars outline the head, body and tail of the "scorpion". Most bright stars: Antares - 0.8m, Shaula - 1.6m and Sargas - 1.9m. The best conditions for observations are in May-June. The constellation is visible entirely in southern and partially in central Europe.
brightest star Antares(α Scorpio), which in Greek means "rival of Ares (Mars)", is located in the "heart of the scorpion." It is a red supergiant with insignificant brightness variability (from 0.86 to 1.06 magnitudes); in brightness and color, this star is really very similar to Mars. Its diameter is about 700 times larger than that of the Sun, and its luminosity is 9000 times greater than that of the Sun. Antares is a beautiful visual double: its brighter component is blood red, and its less bright neighbor is bluish-white, but it looks green in contrast to its companion.
The characteristically shaped chain of constellation stars is often distinguished as an asterism Tail(Sting) scorpion. It includes a different number of stars, but it is usually considered starting from Antares. In this case, the asterism consists of stars - α (Antares), τ, ε, μ, ζ, η, θ, ι, κ, λ and ν. Sometimes δ and γ stars are added to it. In the Arabic tradition, the asterism is truncated to four stars ι, κ, λ and ν Scorpio and is called Girtab (also called the star κ Scorpio, central in the asterism).
Alternative modern name - Fishing hook.
A pair of nearby stars λ and υ at the very end scorpion tail make up an asterism Cat's eyes.
Other objects
The star Akrab (β Scorpio) the Greeks called Rafias, which means "crab"; it is a bright double (magnitude 2.6 and 4.9) that can be seen in 50mm. telescope. At the tip of the “tail of a scorpion” is Shaula (λ Scorpio), translated from Arabic - a sting. In this constellation, the most powerful discrete X-ray source in the sky, Scorpius X-1, was found, identified with a hot blue variable star; astronomers believe that this is a close binary system, where a neutron star is paired with a normal one. Another interesting star is Nu Scorpio - this system consists of at least 7 components. In the constellation, astronomers recently discovered a black hole candidate, GRO J1655-40. Open clusters M 6, M 7 and NGC 6231 are visible in Scorpio, as well as globular clusters M 4 and M 80. It is assumed that the star 1RXS J160929.1-210524 has an unusual planetary system that does not fit into the generally accepted model of planet formation.
Ancient constellation. Included in the catalog starry sky Claudius Ptolemy "Almagest".
According to Aratus, Orion quarreled with Artemis; angry, she sent a scorpion, which killed the youth. Arat adds an astronomical piece to this myth: "When Scorpio rises in the east, Orion hurries to hide in the west." There are many variants of this Greek myth.
Constellation Scorpio in Aztec astronomy, coincidentally, called by the same name Colotl(scorpion).
Scorpio (zodiac sign)
Scorpion- the eighth sign of the zodiac, corresponding to the sector of the ecliptic from 210° to 240°, counting from the vernal equinox; permanent mark. Element - Water.
IN western astrology it is believed that the Sun is in the sign of Scorpio approximately from October 24 to November 22, in the Vedic - from November 16 to December 15. The sign of Scorpio should not be confused with the constellation Scorpio, in which the Sun is located from November 23 to 29.
The scorpion symbol ♏ (may not be displayed in some browsers) in Unicode is under decimal number 9807 or hexadecimal number 264F and can be entered in HTML code as ♏ or ♏.
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(in genus p.: Scorpii)
497 sq. degrees
- 13 stars; brightest:
- Antares (α Sco) - 0.86-1.06m
- Shaula (λ Sco) - 1,62m
- Sargas (θ Sco) - 1.86m
- δSco - 2.29m
- ε Sco - 2,29m
- κ Sco - 2,39m
- β Sco - 2,56m
- Chi-Scoriids
- Omega Scorpids
- Sagittarius
- Ophiuchus
- South Crown
- Altar
- Square
The best time for observation is May, June.
The constellation Scorpio from the Atlas "Uranographia" by Jan Hevelius (1690)
The constellation Scorpio from the Atlas "Uranographia" by J. E. Bode (Berlin 1801)
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The constellation Scorpio from the Atlas "Urania's Mirror" (London, 1825)
A monstrous creature, possibly a product of Gaia, possibly living in the sea and used by Poseidon for terrorist purposes. Or perhaps caused by Artemis from the bowels of Mount Kolona on the island of Chios. Notorious for attacking Orion and biting him to death. Or at least put the famous hunter on the run.
Also, Scorpio, as a constellation, is not well known for the fact that it was he who frightened the horses of Phaethon, they suffered and the driver, unable to hold them, paid for it with his life.
Mythology connects the constellations of Scorpio and Eridanus with the tragic fate of Phaethon.
Klymene, the daughter of the sea goddess Thetis, was so beautiful that even the radiant god Helios (the Sun), who every day rode his golden chariot high above the Earth, nowhere saw a more beautiful girl than she. He married her, and she bore him a son, brilliant, like his father, whom she named Phaeton (which means "flaming" in Greek), but unlike his father, he was not immortal.
For days on end Phaeton played with his cousin Epaphus, the son of the Thunderer Zeus. Once Epaf laughed at Phaethon:
- Although you are called Phaeton, you are not the son of Helios,
but the most ordinary mortal!
Like stones, these words fell into the soul of the boy. In tears, he ran to seek protection from his mother. She hugged his mother and asked about the reason for the tears. Sobbing, he told her how cruelly Epaf had offended him.
Clymene stretched out her hands to the sun and exclaimed:
- Oh, my son! I swear by the luminous Helios, who sees and hears us, that he is your father! May he deprive me of his light if I do not speak the holy truth! Go to his palace! He will meet you like his own son and confirm my words!
Reassured by the words of his mother, Phaeton went to the palace of Helios. He saw him from afar, sitting on a golden throne, but could not approach him, because the eyes of a mortal could not withstand his dazzling light. Helios was very happy with Phaeton, and the radiance around him became even brighter. Phaeton told him that Epaphus doubted that Helios was Phaeton's father, and asked Helios to dispel these doubts.
"You are my son! To make sure of this, ask me for anything you want, and I swear sacred waters Styxa, I will fulfill your request!" Helios said.
Phaethon was delighted and asked Helios to give him a chariot with winged horses only for one day in order to rush through the expanses of heaven on it.
Upon hearing this request, Helios turned gloomy, and the radiance around him decreased. He began to exhort his son:
“Think, my son, before asking such a thing!” Can a mortal man really be able to sit on my chariot, because even none of the immortal gods can control it! My winged horses run like a whirlwind. You won't hold the reins and you won't handle them. Yes, the path is not easy. At first it is so steep that you will feel as if you are flying straight up, and when you reach the highest altitudes, your hair will stand on end if you look at the Earth. After that
the horses will rush down to the waters of the ocean. Give it up my son
wishes! Along the way, you will meet various monsters that will frighten both you and the horses. Do you want to die?
But Phaeton remained adamant and even more insistently begged Helios to give him a chariot. Helios could not break his oath with the sacred waters of Styx and allowed Phaethon to take the chariot.
Phaeton went to the eastern edge of the Earth, where the golden chariot of Helios was located. Winged wild horses were harnessed to it. Fed on ambrosia and nectared, the horses snorted impatiently and beat with their hooves. Full of joy, Phaeton sat on the chariot and took the reins in his hands. The goddess Eos (Dawn) opened wide the golden gates, and the horses raced along the steep road. They raced faster and faster, and Phaeton no longer had enough strength to hold the reins and control them. And the horses lost their way, because Phaeton himself did not know her. And suddenly, in front of the muzzles of the horses, a huge terrible Scorpion appeared, covered with poisonous scales. He directed his deadly sting at the horses and Phaeton. Phaeton was frightened of this monster, let go of the reins and fell on the chariot. The horses felt free and rushed from the terrible Scorpio up to the stars, and the chariot rushed, listing from side to side, and at any moment could turn over.
The goddess Selena (Moon) was frightened when she saw the horses of Helios rushing in the sky, not controlled by anyone. What happened to her brother Helios?!
Having reached the heavenly heights, the horses rapidly began to descend to the Earth. The flames from the close descended chariot engulfed the Earth. The fire turned flourishing cities and fertile fields into ashes. Mountains covered with forests caught fire, water boiled in rivers and seas, and clouds of hot steam rose above them. The nymphs were frightened and, crying, hid in deep caves. Soon both rivers and seas turned into parched, cracked deserts. Death threatened the Earth. Then the goddess Gaia (Earth), shedding tears, prayed to the ruler of Heaven and Earth, the great Thunderer Zeus:
Oh, greatest of the gods! Will you really allow me to perish, to perish the kingdom of your brother Poseidon? Is it possible that all living things should perish in this fire?
Zeus heard the prayer of the goddess Gaia. In an instant, he extinguished the violent fire that burned the Earth. Raised his heavy right hand, threw a blazing lightning bolt and smashed the fiery chariot. The horses of Helios scattered in different directions, and fragments of the chariot scattered across the sky.
And Phaeton, engulfed in flames, flew to Earth and fell into the Eridanus River, far from his homeland. Deep sorrow overshadowed the radiant Helios. He closed his face and did not appear in the heavenly spaces all day long.
The Hesperides dragged Phaeton's body out of the Eridanus River and buried it in the ground. For a long time, the unfortunate mother of Phaeton Klymene was looking for the body of her dead son. And when she found his grave, she mourned him bitterly, and with her they mourned Phaethon and the daughters of Clymene - the heliads. Their grief was so great that the gods, taking pity on them, turned them into poplars. Standing on the banks of the river Eridan are the bowed poplar heliads, dropping tears into the river for their brother, which, falling, turn into transparent amber.
Since then, the constellations of Scorpio and Eridan have reminded of the tragic death of Phaethon, who did not listen to the advice of his great father, the radiant Helios.
The scorpion is also known from another myth. He stung the heel of the legendary hunter Orion (see the constellation Orion). Poisoned Orion died on the island of Chios.
Scorpio Zodiac Signs
The constellation Scorpio with good reason can be called one of the oldest known to mankind. The stars that formed it, singled out the Sumerians, Egyptians and Mayans in a separate group on the celestial maps, and the ancient Greeks composed a beautiful legend about its origin. Allegedly, once the son of Poseidon, Orion, on behalf of the gods, cleared the island of Chios from wild animals. The grateful inhabitants of the island arranged a celebration in honor of the hero, at which Orion saw the handsome Merope, the daughter of the local king, among the dancing girls.
Love broke out between the young people and Orion began to ask the lord of Chios for the hand of his daughter. However, the king had other plans regarding the marriage of Merope. Then Orion simply stole his beloved, and she, I must say, was not at all against such a turn of events in her fate. Yes, but the lovers did not manage to go far, the angry father overtook the fugitives. Knowing well the strength of the brave hunter, the king decided not to openly oppose him, but to resort to trickery: pretending to give consent to marriage, he arranged a luxurious feast, drugged Orion with intoxicating wine, and when he fell asleep, blinded him.
Upon learning of the trouble that happened to his son, Poseidon was terribly angry, but since he himself could not do anything, he turned to Helios for help. The Sun God agreed to restore Orion's sight, but while he hurried to him on his fiery chariot, the goddess of hunting Artemis, who hated Orion because he had once accidentally killed her beloved bull, woke up a giant bronze Scorpion and sent it to her enemy. Stung in the heel, Orion died. Then Poseidon, beside himself with grief, begged his brother Zeus to turn the brave hunter into a constellation. The Thunderer complied with this request and even made it so that Orion could never meet the terrible Scorpio. Indeed, both of these constellations are never visible in the sky at the same time. True, for what such merits Scorpio ended up in heaven, the ancient Greek myths are silent.
This terrifying creature is found in another of ancient Greek myths- in the myth of Phaeton. Allegedly, when Phaethon instead of his father Helios took a place in a fiery chariot and rushed across the sky, it was the giant Scorpio that crawled out onto the road that scared the boy and he let go of the reins from his hands. The horses, sensing freedom, rushed without looking at the road and, approaching the Earth, almost burned it. Zeus had no choice but to break the chariot of Helios with a lightning strike, the fragments of which, together with the dead Phaethon, fell into the Eridanus River.
As can be seen from the myths, the appearance of Scorpio promised destruction and disaster. In ancient times, the natural cycle of the dying of nature was also associated with this sign. At the end of autumn, the Sun, falling into this sign, was considered stung, poisoned, and therefore it hurt all winter, rising weak and pale. But in the spring next year when the poison lost its power, it was reborn to life again.
Initially, the constellation Scorpio included more stars than now. In the 1st century BC, some of them were identified as a separate constellation - Claws, which later changed its name to Libra.
It is a stylized image of a Scorpion - two claws and a twisted tail with a sting at the end, symbolized by an arrow (an indicator of strength). However, there is also an opinion that it is “M” decorated with a scorpion tail - the initial letter of the word “mort” - death. As will be seen from the further description, this sign is directly related to critical situations that pose a danger to life.
Astropsychological characteristics of Scorpio
According to the astrological status, in the sign of Scorpio, the characteristics inherent in the rhythms of Pluto are most organically revealed. Using astrological terminology, we can say that Pluto rules the sign of Scorpio or is in this sign in his own abode. Quite clearly manifested in the psychotype of Scorpio and the qualities of Uranus. But what he lacks is the softness of the Moon and Venus.
Being the master of this sign, Pluto endows people born under it with its indestructible power. At the same time, Scorpio is not impulsive, he carefully calculates his strength and applies them purposefully, and quickly restores the spent energy resource, due to which he is considered an incredibly hardy sign. Outwardly, such people may look calm and unflappable, but inside they always have passions. This kind of excess of energy, one way or another, requires an outlet, and therefore Scorpios are intense in all their manifestations, very categorical and often prone to extremes. As a rule, they seek to involve other people in their activities, actively use common achievements, transforming with their help both their own lives and the surrounding space. Sometimes, in an effort to destroy the existing order of things and establish their own, Scorpions are ready to go beyond the norms and rules established by society.
Contempt for danger and the desire to bring any situation to an extreme state is another distinguishing feature this sign. Fear is unknown to Scorpios, as they subconsciously feel their ability to get out of the most unpleasant circumstances. The survival rate of such people is very high.
All of the above finds its expression in the fact that Scorpios usually try to work in areas where they can achieve material wealth, manage other people and satisfy their burning interest in everything hidden and mysterious. This sign is tenacious, it is difficult to compete with it. Scorpios are not afraid of dirt, risk, blood, and even death is dismissive. At heart, these are born forensic experts, employees of law enforcement agencies, criminal investigation department, detective bureaus. They can be good snipers, spies, saboteurs, they show themselves in technical specialties associated with the development of various types of weapons.
In the financial sector, these are mainly bank employees, employees of tax or insurance companies, and indeed Scorpios are good economists who subtly feel the possibility of increasing their own capital, who know how to manage the material resources of other people and are able to achieve success in any unusual type of business. The same applies to science: their patrimony is new, unexplored directions. Scorpions often make good physicists, especially nuclear physicists. In medicine, these are excellent surgeons, resuscitators, pathologists, psychoanalysts, and sex therapists.
Writers born when the Sun passes the sign of Scorpio raise deep psychological themes. Many famous film actors, elevated by society to the rank of sex symbols, also came out of Scorpios. Subject to high pay, regardless of conventions and decency, they can act in films with explicit sexual content and intimate scenes. In sports, they choose for themselves various types of wrestling, auto racing. Many representatives of this sign work in funeral homes, in cemeteries, at enterprises engaged in waste processing, and politics for them is an area where you can fully hone the art of intrigue and give free rein to predatory nature.
Maintaining relationships with such people is not an easy task. Scorpio is suspicious and lets not everyone into his soul. It takes a lot of time and effort to earn his trust. But those to whom he is sincerely disposed will find in him a faithful comrade, ready at any moment to come to the rescue, up to self-sacrifice. In relationships with others, Scorpio prefers to take a dominant position. In general, looking for vulnerabilities in order to keep everything under control is a characteristic feature of this sign.
We often hear that Scorpio is the most disgusting representative of the Zodiac, containing all the passions and vices. In fact, there are no bad and good signs, it all depends on the level of development of a particular person. Looking through the list of personalities born under the sign of Scorpio, you can be sure that among them there are quite a lot of worthy people who have not been noticed in anything reprehensible. Simply, apparently, the brightness and intensity of the manifestations and creates them not the best reputation.
Pronounced individuality, originality, reformist spirit, preference for unbeaten paths, desire to destroy obsolete structures, instant reaction, good developed intuition, and in some cases, the manifestation of paranormal abilities - all this gives out the qualities of Uranus in Scorpio, which they sometimes show excessively demonstratively. The actions of those born under this sign are difficult to unambiguously assess. Scorpio knows how to suddenly change his behavior and even appearance, he does not feel shame if he suddenly finds himself in an awkward position, he is not afraid to look ridiculous. Moreover, the introduction of others into shock brings him, so to speak, a certain moral satisfaction.
The softness and soulfulness of the Moon, responsible for emotional sphere, does not harmonize with the powerful energies of Pluto and Uranus, which form the basis of the Scorpio character. As a result, such people have very sharp emotions. But we can not say that they suffer from this. Forcing tension and the subsequent sharp discharge, a kind of emotional explosion, have a pacifying effect on Scorpios. This allows them to feel their strength, their superiority, and they simply cannot do without such affective states. Hence their causticity, the desire to unbalance, prick, break through the psychological defense of the interlocutor. Even if outwardly Scorpio looks calm, be sure that inside he is very intensely experiencing everything that happens. Behind them, by the way, more than other signs, such a quality as vindictiveness is noticed.
The principle of harmony inherent in Venus is realized with great difficulty in the case of Scorpio. Being in a constantly tense emotional state, such people cannot afford to relax even when romantic feelings are involved. Their tendency to extremes and black-and-white perception of the world, brightened up by strong passion, are transformed either into strong jealousy, or into self-sacrifice for the sake of a loved one. And although the affections of Scorpios are strong and stable, as much as they love, they hate.
In any case, they uncontrollably strive to possess the object of love, it is difficult, almost impossible for them to give up what they already have (both in the sphere of feelings and on the material level), therefore they cannot stand rivals and competitors and strive to get rid of them. at the first opportunity. Yes, and the desire of Scorpios to dominate relationships makes life together with them very difficult. African passions and dramatic moments are an indispensable component of such relationships. But on the other hand, they fight to the last for a loved one and, if necessary, make any sacrifices.
In terms of perception of beauty and harmony, Scorpios have a peculiar taste. Perhaps they are the few who are able to find beautiful things that are undoubtedly ugly or even terrible. The painting of Pablo Picasso can serve as a vivid example of this.
Summarizing the above, we highlight the most significant manifestations of this sign.
Positive Qualities of Scorpio: activity, emotional intensity, mystery, regeneration, devotion, endurance, energy, inner strength, perseverance, endurance, resourcefulness, insight, inquisitiveness, organizational talent, passion, magnetism, straightforwardness, self-confidence.
Negative Qualities of Scorpio: extremism, radicalism, the desire to manipulate people, fanaticism, ruthlessness, ruthlessness, cruelty, secrecy, rancor, deceit, causticity, intransigence, suspicion, jealousy.
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