Myths in the Sky: the Scorpion and the Archer

in #science8 years ago

The Scorpion (lat. Scorpius)

This is a very ancient zodiac constellation whose image can be found on the stones of olden times. It was identified with the scorpion from whose sting Orion perished.


Johannes Hevelius, atlas Firmamentum Sobiescianum, Map 33

The Archer (lat. Sagittarius)

This is an ancient zodiac constellation. When the Argonauts were making ready for their voyage in search of the Golden Fleece, the wise centaur Chiron — a skilled hunter, gymnast, botanist, physician and composer — wished to aid this enterprise. He devised the zodiac constellations so as to facilitate the voyage, and placed his image of an Archer among them.


Johannes Hevelius, atlas Firmamentum Sobiescianum, Map 34