The constellation Orion is associated with the legend of Osiris, the god of the afterlife.

Find out the astronomical descriptions and legends associated with the following.

(i) Ursa Major (Saptarishi mandala)

(ii) Polaris (Dhruva tara)

(iii) Pegasus (Winged horse)

(iv) Sirius (the Dog Star)

(v) Gemini (Mithuna)

(i) It is a constellation in the northern sky, also known as Great Bear. This constellation has been seen as a female bear by many distinct civilizations.

(ii) It is known as the Pole Star or North Star. It is the brightest star in the constellation of Ursa Minor. The ancient name of Ursa Minor is “cynosure” Greek word for ‘dog’s tail’ and was used as an indication for northern direction for navigator purposes.

(iii) It is a constellation in the northern sky named after the winged horse in Greek mythology Pegasus who had magical powers. One of the 48 constellations listed in by astronomer Ptolemy and one of the 88 constellations recognized today.

(iv) It is a star system and the brightest star in the night sky almost as bright as Canopus the next brightest star. It is known as the ‘dog star’. It comes from the ancient Greek “Seirios” meaning ‘glowing’ or ‘scorcher’ and might have a link with Orisis. Basically depicted as Orion’s dog.

(v) It is one of the constellations of the zodiac. It was one the 48 constellations described by Ptolemy and remains of the 88 constellations. Its name in Latin is for ‘twins’ and is associated with the twins Castor and Pollux in Greek mythology.