How Berenice’s Hair and the Dogs of Starwatch Became Constellations
Starwatch: The Hair and the Dogs that Became Stand-Alone Constellations
The Hair Constellation
Have you heard of Coma Berenices or Berenice’s Hair? It is a constellation named after the hair of Queen Berenice II of Egypt in ancient times. Legend has it that Queen Berenice had long and beautiful hair which she offered to the gods for the safe return of her husband from war. When her husband came back unharmed, she cut off her hair and placed it in the temple as an offering. The next day, the hair vanished, and the priests explained it as a sign of the gods putting her hair among the stars.
The Dogs Constellation
Another example of unique constellation names is Canis Major and Canis Minor- the Great Dog and the Little Dog, respectively. Canis Major is known for having the brightest star in the sky- Sirius- which was significant in ancient Egypt to indicate the flooding of the Nile river. It was also used by the Greeks and Romans to signify the heat of summer, known as the dog days of summer. Canis Minor, on the other hand, has just two relatively dim stars.
The Constellations in Tandem
Although these two constellations may seem unrelated, they often appear side by side in the night sky. Canis Major is the larger of the two and stands out due to the brightness of Sirius. If you follow a line through Sirius, you’ll see Canis Minor.
Skywatching Tips
If you want to spot these constellations, look for them during the winter months for Canis Major and spring for Canis Minor. They are best seen in the northern hemisphere during these seasons, and the best time for skywatching is during a new moon when there is less light pollution from the moon.
Conclusion
Berenice’s Hair and the Dogs- two distinct but related constellations in the night sky. It’s interesting to learn how they acquired their unique names and how they’re often seen in tandem. Now you have a new topic to discuss with your fellow stargazers. Happy skywatching!