Pegasus contains one Messier object known as M15, or the Great Pegasus Cluster. It is a globular star cluster that contains more than 100,000 stars. It is one of the oldest globular clusters known. It is 33,600 light years from Earth and is thought to be over 12 billion years old.
How old is the Pegasus constellation?
What is the history of the Pegasus constellation?
The constellation of Pegasus is associated with the myth of the white-winged horse that sprang from the neck of the Gorgon Medusa, when the hero Perseus beheaded her, in Greek mythology.
How was the Pegasus constellation discovered?
Pegasus constellation lies in the northern hemisphere. It is one of the largest constellations in the sky. It was first catalogued by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the 2nd century. The constellation was named after Pegasus, the winged horse in Greek mythology.
Is Pegasus a real constellation?
Pegasus is a prominent constellation in the northern sky, named after a winged horse in Greek mythology. The constellation is one of the older ones known in the night sky: It is one of the 48 constellations listed by the second-century astronomer Ptolemy.
How old are the constellations?
In fact, archaeological studies have identified markings in the famous cave paintings at Lascaux in southern France (ca. 17,300 years old) that could be depictions of the Pleiades cluster and Orion's Belt. There are currently 88 officially recognized constellations in total, which together cover the entire sky.
Is Pegasus the Big Dipper?
An asterism, not a constellation Like the Big Dipper, the Great Square of Pegasus isn't a constellation. Instead, it's an asterism, or noticeable pattern on our sky's dome.
How Pegasus got its name?
When Perseus struck off the head of Medusa, with whom Poseidon had had intercourse in the form of a horse or a bird, there sprang forth from her Chrysaor and the horse Pegasus. The latter obtained the name Pegasus because he was believed to have made his appearance near the sources (pêgai) of Oceanus.
Why Is Pegasus upside down?
It was told that Pegasus was born when the hero Perseus cut off the head of Medusa and some of the blood fell into the sea. … Other stars extend off of the square creating the neck and head, and front legs. Most pictures of the constellation show only the front part of the horse and he is pictured upside down in the sky.
Why is Pisces called Pisces?
Pisces, named for the Latin plural of fish, occupies 889 square degrees, making it the 14th largest constellation overall. … This point, called the vernal equinox, used to lie in Aries, but has moved into Pisces because of the Earth's wobble on its axis, called precession, according to astronomer and author Ian Ridpath.