What is Andromeda?

Andromeda is one of the 88 modern constellations in Japan and one of the 48 constellations listed by Ptolemy, a Greek and Roman astronomer in the 2nd century. The main star of Andromeda, M3 1 (Andromeda galaxy), is one of the largest members of this galaxy group. In Greek mythology, Andlau Meda symbolizes Andlau Meda, a goddess who is locked on a rock and ready to be swallowed by the sea monster Ceto. Andromeda is the easiest to watch in the autumn night in the northern hemisphere, and there are also constellations symbolizing other gods in Perseus mythology.

Andromeda is located below Ursa major, near Pegasus. The fairy's head is Cedius, a corner of the Pegasus quadrangle. Andromeda, because of its northern declination, can only be seen in the area north of the 40-degree south latitude line, and the area south of 40-degree south latitude will be below the horizon. Andromeda is one of the largest constellations in the celestial sphere, with an area of 722 square degrees, which is 1400 times of the full moon, 55% of the largest Ophiuchus and more than ten times of the smallest Southern Cross.

History and myth:

Andromeda is also associated with Tiamat, the goddess of chaos in Mesopotamia's creation myth. Tiamat gave birth to many monsters for her husband Abu Zu, but later decided to wage war to destroy them. Finally, Marduk killed her, ended the war, and turned Tiamat's body into a constellation for mortals to time.

Marshall islanders combine Andromeda, Cassiopeia, Triangle and Aries into a constellation symbolizing porpoises. The bright star of Andromeda is mainly located in dolphins, Cassiopeia is the tail of dolphins, and Aries is the head of dolphins. Tuamotu islanders called Biju II "Takurua-e-te-tuki-hanga-ruki", which means "the star of toil".