It is because of this predictable cycle that the journey of the Sun through the zodiac was used by ancient cultures to determine the time of year. In other words, the Sun appears to pass through these constellations over the course of a year. The ecliptic is defined by the circular path of the Sun across the sky as seen from Earth. The twelve constellations of the zodiac lie along the plane of the ecliptic. It made life easier for ancient astronomers to find objects and explain their location in the sky, as well as for travelers and sailors, who use the stars to determine their position. In other words, the zodiac constellations make a two-dimensional map of the sky that is very useful for orientation. This pattern has been used for ages by astronomers, as it makes it easier for observers to track the movement of the solar system and the stars throughout the course of the year. When grouped with the other Zodiac constellations, which add up to twelve, they form a pattern in the sky. Gemini, Leo, Sagittarius or Scorpio are familiar names to most of us. The constellations found in the zodiac will surely ring a bell. However, none of these constellations are part of the zodiac. The most famous constellations come mainly from the classical Greek tradition, such as Cassiopeia, Hercules, Pegasus or Ursa Major. A constellation is a cluster of stars in the sky that are grouped together in a particular pattern and which have been given a name. You’re surely aware of what constellations are, and we’ve talked about them on this blog before. It’s for this reason that today we’ll delve into the fascinating universe of the zodiac. What are the 12 constellations of the zodiac? And what is the zodiac exactly? It is a word which we flaunt easily but whose origins many ignore. These are the twelve constellations that make up what we know as the zodiac. They looked out for the stars, the movements of the sun and the moon, as well as comets and shooting stars, trying to decipher their behavior and reason to be… Over time, one particular group of celestial objects ended up getting a lot of attention. It’s right above us for all to enjoy.Įven way before the invention of telescopes, ancient astronomers tracked the movement of the objects they saw in the sky. And the thing is, you don’t need fancy and expensive equipment to appreciate the shapes and patterns in the sky. And who can blame them? It’s captivating up there! On any given clear night, there are probably more than two thousand stars that can be seen from Earth without a telescope. People have been studying the sky for centuries.
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