The Constellation Hercules, the great warrior
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Hercules

Hercules was a great warrior in Greek mythology. From the northern hemisphere he can be seen kneeling in the sky during Spring. From the southern hemisphere, he appears low in the north. Four bright stars form what is known as the Keystone. Hercules' arms and legs extend from this central square.

Many other constellations, like Leo, the Lion, Draco, the Dragon, Cancer, the Crab, and Hydra, the Serpent, were defeated by Hercules. They were placed in the sky with Hercules to honor his victories.

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The Earth Scientist, Volume XXVI, Issue 2, Summer 2010

Our 2010 Summer issue of The Earth Scientist includes six articles dealing with various aspects of Earth Science. An article from NOAA details how lake effect snow can, under the right conditions, actually occur on the narrow Mississippi River....more

Leo

Leo, the lion, is easy to find because his head looks like a backward question mark with the bright star Regulus at the bottom. Regulus, Leo's brightest star, means "little king" in Latin. This star is...more

Cancer

The constellation Cancer is a crab. Look for Cancer from December through June. It's hard to see Cancer because the stars are so dim. To find Cancer, first find Gemini and Leo. Cancer is right between...more

Hydra

Hydra, the sea serpent, may be the longest and largest of all constellations, but its stars are very faint. It is so long that four constellations run along its northern side. These are Cancer, Leo, Virgo...more

Heracles (Hercules)

More than two thousand years ago, Greek people believed that a particular group of stars represented the figure of Heracles, the most famous Greek hero. The ancient Romans called him Hercules. Heracles...more

Heracles

More than two thousand years ago, Greek people believed that a particular group of stars represented the figure of Heracles, the most famous Greek hero. The ancient Romans called him Hercules. Heracles...more

Ophiuchus

The constellation Ophiuchus is known as the Serpent Bearer. In Greek myth, he was the god of medicine. One day he killed a snake, but another serpent appeared and healed his friend with plants. Ophiuchus...more

Aquila

Aquila, the Eagle, is one of many beautiful birds in the night sky. (Can you name all the others? There are 6 more "real" birds and one mythical bird!) A straight line of three stars is part of the wings...more

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