Meta description: Embark on a journey through the stars and discover the beauty of the main constellations in the northern hemisphere. From Orion to Ursa Major, this guide will take you on a cosmic adventure.
The night sky has always fascinated people with its glittering stars and mysterious celestial objects. Gazing up at the stars can make us feel small in the grand scheme of the universe, but it can also ignite our imagination and sense of wonder. In the northern hemisphere, there are many constellations that can be easily spotted on a clear night. Let’s explore the main ones and learn about their legends and histories.
Orion
Orion is one of the most recognizable constellations in the sky. It is located on the celestial equator and can be seen from all parts of the world. The constellation is named after the mythical hunter Orion from Greek mythology. According to the legend, Orion was a giant and a great hunter who was killed by a scorpion. The constellation is known for its distinctive shape, which resembles a hunter with a sword at his belt. The brightest stars in Orion are Betelgeuse and Rigel.
Ursa Major
Ursa Major, also known as the Great Bear, is a constellation that can be seen throughout the year in the northern hemisphere. It is one of the largest constellations in the sky and is easily recognizable because of its distinctive shape, which resembles a large dipper or saucepan. The constellation contains many bright stars, including the famous Big Dipper, which is a part of Ursa Major. According to Greek mythology, Ursa Major represents the nymph Callisto, who was turned into a bear by the goddess Hera.
Cassiopeia
Cassiopeia is a constellation that is visible from the northern hemisphere during the fall and winter months. It is named after the queen Cassiopeia from Greek mythology, who was punished by the gods for her arrogance. The constellation is shaped like a “W” or “M” depending on its position in the sky. It contains many bright stars, including the star Schedar, which is the brightest star in the constellation.
Cygnus
Cygnus, also known as the Swan, is a constellation that can be seen during the summer months in the northern hemisphere. It is located along the Milky Way and contains many bright stars, including Deneb, which is one of the brightest stars in the sky. According to Greek mythology, Cygnus represents the god Zeus, who transformed himself into a swan to seduce the queen Leda.
Leo
Leo is a constellation that can be seen in the spring and summer months in the northern hemisphere. It is named after the lion from Greek mythology and is one of the largest constellations in the sky. The constellation contains many bright stars, including Regulus, which is one of the brightest stars in the sky. According to the legend, the Nemean Lion was a creature with impenetrable skin that terrorised the countryside. The hero Heracles (Hercules) was tasked
Auriga
Auriga is a constellation located in the northern hemisphere that can be seen in the winter months. It is named after a charioteer from Greek mythology and contains many bright stars, including Capella, which is one of the brightest stars in the sky. The constellation is shaped like a pentagon or a hexagon, depending on its position in the sky.
Cancer
Cancer is a constellation that can be seen in the spring and summer months in the northern hemisphere. It is named after the crab from Greek mythology and contains many bright stars, including the star Acubens. According to legend, the crab was sent by the goddess Hera to distract Heracles during his battle with the Lernaean Hydra.
Gemini
Gemini is a constellation located in the northern hemisphere that can be seen during the winter and spring months. It is named after the twins Castor and Pollux from Greek mythology and contains many bright stars, including the star Alhena. According to legend, Castor and Pollux were born from an egg laid by their mother Leda, who was seduced by the god Zeus in the form of a swan.
Pegasus
Pegasus is a constellation that can be seen in the fall and winter months in the northern hemisphere. It is named after the winged horse from Greek mythology and contains many bright stars, including the star Enif. According to legend, Pegasus was born from the blood of the Gorgon Medusa after she was slain by the hero Perseus.
Taurus
Taurus is a constellation located in the northern hemisphere that can be seen during the fall and winter months. It is named after the bull from Greek mythology and contains many bright stars, including the star Aldebaran. According to legend, the bull was sent by the god Zeus to abduct the princess Europa, who he had fallen in love with.
Aquarius
Aquarius is a constellation located in the southern part of the northern hemisphere that can be seen during the fall and winter months. It is named after the water-bearer from Greek mythology and contains many bright stars, including the star Sadalsuud. According to legend, Aquarius was the son of the god Zeus and was responsible for bringing rain to the earth.
Cepheus
Cepheus is a constellation that can be seen in the fall and winter months in the northern hemisphere. It is named after the king Cepheus from Greek mythology and contains many bright stars, including the star Alderamin. According to legend, Cepheus was the father of Andromeda, who was chained to a rock as a sacrifice to a sea monster.
Draco
Draco is a constellation located in the northern hemisphere that can be seen all year round. It is named after the dragon from Greek mythology and contains many bright stars, including the star Thuban. According to legend, Draco was the guardian of the golden apples in the garden of the Hesperides.
Hercules
Hercules is a constellation that can be seen in the spring and summer months in the northern hemisphere. It is named after the hero Heracles from Greek mythology and contains many bright stars, including the star Rasalgethi. According to legend, Heracles was the son of the god Zeus and was known for his incredible strength.
Pisces
Pisces is a constellation located in the southern part of the northern hemisphere that can be seen during the fall and winter months. It is named after the fish from Greek mythology and contains many bright stars, including the star Alrescha. According to legend, the fish were tied together by a cord to escape from the monster Typhon.
Andromeda
Andromeda is a constellation located in the northern hemisphere that can be seen during the fall and winter months. It is named after the princess Andromeda from Greek mythology and contains many bright stars, including the star Alpheratz. According to legend, Andromeda was chained to a rock as a sacrifice to a sea monster but was saved by the hero Perseus.
Canis Major
Canis Major is a constellation that can be seen in the winter months in the northern hemisphere. It is named after the greater dog from Greek mythology and contains many bright stars, including the star Sirius, which is the brightest star in the sky. According to legend, the dog was the loyal companion of the hunter Orion.
Corona Borealis
Corona Borealis is a constellation located in the northern hemisphere that can be seen during the summer months. It is named after the northern crown and contains many bright stars, including the star Alphecca. According to legend, the crown was given to the god Dionysus by the god Hermes as a reward for his victory over the Indian king Deriades.
Lyra
Lyra is a constellation that can be seen during the summer months in the northern hemisphere. It is named after the lyre, a musical instrument from Greek mythology, and contains many bright stars, including the star Vega. According to legend, the lyre was invented by the god Hermes and was given to the musician Orpheus as a gift.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius is a constellation located in the southern part of the northern hemisphere that can be seen during the summer months. It is named after the archer from Greek mythology and contains many bright stars, including the star Kaus Australis. According to legend, Sagittarius was the son of the god Zeus and was known for his incredible archery skills.
Bootes
Bootes is a constellation located in the northern hemisphere that can be seen during the spring and summer months. It is named after the herdsman from Greek mythology and contains many bright stars, including the star Arcturus. According to legend, Bootes was the son of the god Zeus and was responsible for guiding the stars across the sky.
Cetus
Cetus is a constellation located in the southern part of the northern hemisphere that can be seen during the fall and winter months. It is named after the sea monster from Greek mythology and contains many bright stars, including the star Menkar. According to legend, Cetus was sent by the goddess Hera to terrorise the kingdom of Ethiopia.
Leo Minor
Leo Minor is a small constellation located in the northern hemisphere that can be seen during the spring and summer months. It is named after the small lion and contains many bright stars, including the star Praecipua. Leo Minor was created by the Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius in the 17th century.
Ophiuchus
Ophiuchus is a constellation located in the southern part of the northern hemisphere that can be seen during the summer months. It is named after the serpent-bearer from Greek mythology and contains many bright stars, including the star Rasalhague. According to legend, Ophiuchus was a healer who was able to bring the dead back to life.
Perseus
Perseus is a constellation that can be seen in the northern hemisphere during the fall and winter months. It is named after the hero Perseus from Greek mythology and contains many bright stars, including the star Algol. According to legend, Perseus was tasked with slaying the Gorgon Medusa and was given a shield by the goddess Athena to help him in his quest.
Scorpius
Scorpius is a constellation located in the southern part of the northern hemisphere that can be seen during the summer months. It is named after the scorpion from Greek mythology and contains many bright stars, including the star Antares. According to legend, Scorpius was sent by the goddess Hera to kill the hunter Orion.
Taurus Poniatovii
Taurus Poniatovii is a constellation located in the northern hemisphere that was named after the Polish King Stanislaus Poniatowski in the 18th century. It is located near the constellation Perseus and contains many faint stars.
Triangulum
Triangulum is a small constellation located in the northern hemisphere that can be seen during the fall and winter months. It is named after the triangle shape and contains many bright stars, including the star Rasalhague. Triangulum was first listed by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the 2nd century.
Virgo
Virgo is a constellation that can be seen in the northern hemisphere during the spring and summer months. It is named after the virgin from Greek mythology and contains many bright stars, including the star Spica. According to legend, Virgo was the daughter of the god Zeus and was known for her purity and virtue.
Aquila
Aquila is a constellation located in the northern hemisphere that can be seen during the summer months. It is named after the eagle from Greek mythology and contains many bright stars, including the star Altair. According to legend, the eagle was the companion of the god Zeus.
Capricornus
Capricornus is a constellation located in the southern part of the northern hemisphere that can be seen during the fall and winter months. It is named after the sea goat from Greek mythology and contains many bright stars, including the star Deneb Algedi. According to legend, Capricornus was the son of the god Poseidon and was able to change between human and goat form.
Delphinus
Delphinus is a small constellation located in the northern hemisphere that can be seen during the summer months. It is named after the dolphin from Greek mythology and contains many bright stars, including the star Rotanev. According to legend, the dolphin was sent by the god Apollo to save the musician Arion from drowning.
Ursa Minor
Ursa Minor, also known as the Little Dipper, is a constellation located in the northern hemisphere that can be seen all year round. It is named after the small bear and contains many bright stars, including the star Polaris, which is also known as the North Star. According to legend, Ursa Minor was the nursemaid of the god Zeus.
Aries
Aries is a constellation that can be seen in the northern hemisphere during the fall and winter months. It is named after the ram from Greek mythology and contains many bright stars, including the star Hamal. According to legend, the ram was sent by the god Zeus to rescue the children of the goddess Nephele.
Sagitta
Sagitta is a small constellation located in the northern hemisphere that can be seen during the summer months. It is named after the arrow and contains many faint stars. According to legend, the arrow was used by the god Apollo to kill the Cyclops.
Hydra
Hydra is a constellation located in the southern part of the northern hemisphere that can be seen during the spring and summer months. It is named after the serpent from Greek mythology and contains many bright stars, including the star Alphard. According to legend, the serpent was sent by the goddess Hera to terrorise the kingdom of Lerna.
Lacerta
Lacerta is a small constellation located in the northern hemisphere that can be seen during the fall and winter months. It is named after the lizard and contains many faint stars. Lacerta was created by the Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius in the 17th century.
Pictor
Pictor is a constellation located in the southern part of the northern hemisphere that can be seen during the fall and winter months. It is named after the painter’s easel and contains many bright stars, including the star Beta Pictoris. Pictor was created by the French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille in the 18th century.
Serpens is a constellation located in the northern hemisphere that can be seen during the summer months. It is named after the serpent and contains many bright stars, including the star Unukalhai. According to legend, the serpent was the companion of the god Apollo.
These constellations, along with many others, provide a glimpse into the rich history and mythology of the cultures that created them. By exploring the night sky and learning about the constellations, we can deepen our understanding of the universe and the stories that have shaped our world.