Most people know about the constellations, but few know that there
are actually a lot of horses that can be found in the stars.
The Horse Head Nebula
The horse head Nebula is located in the constellation Orion. In
case you don't know what a nebula is, it is basically a giant
cloud of dust and gasses. The horse head nebula earned its name
when female scientist Williamina Fleming in 1888 observed that
it resembled a stallion's head.
The horse head nebula is approximately 1500 light years away.
It cannot be viewed by the unaided eye, or even with the use of
a telescope. The only way to view this nebula is by taking long
exposure photographs.
Even though it is nearly impossible to view the horse head nebula
with the human eye (aided or unaided), it is one of the most popular
astronomical features in the sky. The horse head nebula, like
a wild stallion, represents beauty and freedom. Seeing the horse
head nebula makes people feel connected with nature, much the
same way as observing a wild stallion.
Equuleus
Equuleus literally means "The Little Horse" in Latin.
It is the second smallest of the 88 constellations. Equuleus earned
its name due to its resemblance to a foal. In Greek mythology,
Equuleus was once believed to represent Celeris, a relative of
Pegasus. Celeris was either the brother, or the offspring of Pegasus.
Other myths suggest that Equuleus was the horse who sprung from
Neptune's trident when he and Athena were challenging one another
for superiority. Because Equulues rises before Pegasus, it is
often called, Equus Primu, "The First Horse."
The stars of Equellus has three double stars that are suitable
for viewing with a telescope. These are: Delta Equulei, Gamma
Equulei , and Lambda Equulei (Dibon-Smith)
"Pegasus
and Equuleus", Hand colored map created by Alexander Jamieson
in 1822. Click for larger view.
Pegasus
Pegasus is perhaps the most well known of all the Equine constellations.
It is located in the northern hemisphere, and gets its name from
the famous white winged horse of Greek Mythology. The Constellation
Pegasus can be viewed from the northern hemisphere from late summer
through out autumn. In the southern hemisphere, however, Pegasus
is best viewed during the early winter through the late spring.
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In Greek mythology Pegasus is said to have been "born"
from the blood of the Gorgon Medusa, when she was slayed by Perseus.
Pegasus was then tamed by the great warrior Bellerophon, who used
a magic golden bridle given to him by the Godess Athena to capture
the white winged horse. Bellerophon used Pegasus to help him win
many battles, and soon became arrogant. He was no longer happy
being an honored warrior, and decided that he wanted to become
a God. Bellerophon planed to use Pegasus to fly to Olympus where
the God's lived. However, when Zeus heard about this, he was not
pleased at all. He sent a horse fly to bit Pegasus, which sent
Bellerophon tumbling to the ground. Pegasus, however, was rewarded
by Zues for performing all of his duties. As a reward, Zeus immortalized
the horse in the sky, as the constellation Pegasus
Centaurus
Map
drawn in 1690 by Johannes Heveliu. Click to enlarge. "
Centaurus is one of the largest and brightest constellations in
the sky, located in the southern hemisphere. Two of its brightest
stars are alpha and beta Centauri, which represent the Centaurs
front hooves. Beta Centauri is the 10th brightest star in the
heavens. (http://www.dibonsmith.com/cen_con.htm) According to
Greek mythology, the constellation represents a very wise Centaur
(half man half horse) named Chiron. According to some myths, Chiron
was believed to have been the teacher of many famous people including:
Hercules, Achilleus, and Aeskulapios.(Kronberg)
According to others, however, he was believed to be the immortal
survivor of a battle between Heracles and a group of Centaurs.
The battle is said to have occurred over a bottle of wine that
belonged to the Centaurs which Heracles wrongfully opened. Heracles,
killed, or frightened off all of the Centaurs except for Chiron.
Chiron was shot with one of Heracles poisoned arrows, but because
he was immortal he did not die, only suffer great pain. Promethues,
feeling great sympathy for the poor Centuar, asked Zues if he
might take Chiron's immortality. With Zues's Consent Promethues
took on Chiron's immortality as his own. Zues then placed the
Centaur in the heavens as the constellation we now call Centaurus.
(Dibon-Smith)
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