Myths in the October Sky

Myths in the October Sky
By Gitana

October is a wonderful time to go out and do some stargazing. Many of the constellations you will see have their origins in Greek mythology. Take some time to identify the constellations and read the associated myths. While there are many to be seen in the night sky, here is a list of a few of them to start with.

* Ursa Major / The Great Bear (north)
Listed by Ptolemy as Arktos Megale
Read the story of Kallisto and her son Arkas http://theoi.com/Heroine/Kallisto.html

* Boötes / The Ox-Driver or The Ploughman (WNW)
First mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey
Read about this son of Demeter who was the inventor of the plough http://theoi.com/Georgikos/Bootes.html

* Delphinus / The Dolphin (SSE)
Constellation is recorded by Ptolemy
Read the story of Poseidon and Amphitrite http://theoi.com/Ther/Delphin.html and http://theoi.com/Pontios/Amphitrite.html

* Pegasus / The Winged Horse (ESE)
Constellation is recorded by Ptolemy
Read the story of Andromeda and Perseus http://theoi.com/Heros/Perseus2.html

* Andromeda / The Princess (E)
Constellation is recorded by Ptolemy
Read the story of Andromeda and Perseus http://theoi.com/Heros/Perseus2.html

* Cassiopeia / The Queen (ENE)
Constellation is recorded by Ptolemy
Read the story of Andromeda and Perseus http://theoi.com/Heros/Perseus2.html

* Cepheus / The King (NE)
Constellation is recorded by Ptolemy
Read the story of Andromeda and Perseus http://theoi.com/Heros/Perseus2.html

* Perseus / The Hero (NE)
Constellation is recorded by Ptolemy
Read the story of Andromeda and Perseus http://theoi.com/Heros/Perseus2.html

* Auriga / The Goat Farmer (NNE)
Constellation is recorded by Ptolemy
Noteworthy is the constellation’s brightest star, Capella. Look for the green & red blinking light low on the north-northeastern horizon around 10pm. Just don’t mistake it for a UFO!
Read about Amaltheia http://theoi.com/Ther/AixAmaltheia.html

 

Map of the sky for reference. Click to enlarge.