The twelve zodiac constellations represent people with different personality traits. While other zodiac constellations are known for other things, the Capricornus are known for their ambitious and hardworking nature.
This constellation has looks that resemble a squashed triangle. It is the second faintest constellation and as well as one of the biggest ones. It has three known planet stars, and its brightest star is Delta Capricorni, Deneb Algedi. Moreover, it also has M30, the Messier object.
History of Capricornus Constellation
The Capricornus was first cataloged by the German astronomer named Ptolemy. Moreover, Ptolemy also has the credit or cataloging all the zodiac constellations, including 36 other constellations. These catalogs are dating back to the 2nd century.
Evidence is also found about Capricornus’ catalog from Babylonians. The evidence is of around 1000 before the common era when Capricornus was recorded in the star catalogs of Babylonians.
However, it has origins from both Sumerians and Babylonians. The Sumerians considered Capricornus as a goat-fish referred to as SUHUR-MASH-HA. On the other hand, the Babylonian star catalogs mentioned it as MUL.SUHUR. MAŠ, which also translates to goat-fish.
What is the English name for Capricornus Constellation?
In English, the Capricornus constellation is called “Sea Goat“.
What is the Greek Mythological Significance of Capricornus Constellation?
The myths related to the Capricornus constellation date back to the 21st century BC. The first myth associates Capricornus with the deity Pan of the forest. The Pan had the horns and legs like a goat. His son named Crotus, is also identified with an amphibious creature representing the Sagittarius constellation of the zodiac.
God Zeus placed Pan in the stars for rewarding him for his numerous works like rescuing Zeus on various occasions. When god was in a war with the Titans, Pan scared the Titans by blowing his conch shell. Later, he also warned the gods about Typhon, a monster sent by Gaia to fight the gods and suggested them to disguise themselves as animals for saving their lives until the danger is gone.
The myth states that Pan jumped into the Nile river and eluded the monster by turning his lower body part into a fish. And according to the legend, the Capricornus constellation is depicted as a goat with a fishtail.
The other myth states that Capricornus is Amalthea, a goat that suckled Zeus while hiding from Cronos when he was an infant.
How to Find Capricornus Constellation?
Follow the simple steps to locate Capricornus.
- Locate star Vega and Altair.
- Make an imaginary line between both.
- Move along the line until you find an arrow-head shaped star.
- And you are on Capricornus constellation.
What is the Area of Capricornus Constellation?
This constellation occupies an area of 413.947 square degrees.
What Quadrant is Capricornus Constellation in?
It is located in the SQ4, the fourth quadrant of the southern hemisphere.
What Latitude is Capricornus Constellation Visible in?
This constellation is located between the latitudes of +60° and -90° and has borders with:
- Aquarius
- Aquila
- Microscopium
- Piscis Austrinus
- Sagittarius
What Type of Telescope is Best for Viewing Capricornus Constellation?
Since Capricornus is one of the fainted constellations, you can use Sky-watcher Telescope AC 70/900 Capricorn EQ-1 for watching it. You can have a clear and detailed view of Capricornus with this telescope.
Sources
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