Greek Legends and Myths
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Greek Legends and Myths                           

THE CONSTELLATIONS AND GREEK MYTHOLOGY

Today, there is a modern list of 88 constellations, as recognised by the International Astronomical Union. This modern list has its roots in Ancient Greece where 48 constellations were observed and recorded; observations taking place in Alexandria, Egypt. 

The most famous list of the 48 original Western world constellations comes from the star catalogue within Claudius Ptolemy’s Almagest (first century AD), who is thought to have copied wholesale upon the work of Hipparchus of Nicaea. The same list is to be found in Phenomena (3rd century BC) by Arastus, who based his work on that of Eudocus of Cnidus. 

Many of the names of these 48 original constellations are recognisable today, with each constellation having a link to a story, or stories, from Greek mythology. 
Andromeda
Aquarius
Aquila
Ara
Argo Navis
Aries
Auriga
Bootes
Cancer
Canis Major
Canis Minor
Capricornus
Cassiopeia
Centaurus
Cepheus
Cetus
Corona Australis
Corona Borealis
Delphinus
Draco
Equuleus
Eridanus
Gemini
Hercules
Hydra
Leo
Lepus
Libra
Lupus
Lyra
Ophiuchus
Orion
Pegasus
Perseus
Pisces
Piscis Austrinus
Sagitta
Sagittarius
Scorpius
Serpens
Taurus
Triangulum
Ursa Major
Ursa Minor
Virgo
Contents
Colin Quartermain - The Constellations - 5th May 2018
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