| Genitive | Aquarii |
| Abbreviation | Aqr |
| Pronunciation | (əˈkwɛəriəs) |
| Main Stars | 10, 22 |
| Brightest Star | β Aqr (Sadalsuud) (2.91m) |
| Right Ascension | 20 hours to 23 hours |
| Declination | 3 deg to -24 deg |
| Sq. Deg. Area | 980 |
| Crosses Meridian | 9PM, Oct |
| Visible Lat. Range | +65, -90 deg (°) |
| Best Viewing Season | Autumn (Southern Hemisphere) |
Characteristics of Aquarius
Introduction to Aquarius
Aquarius, symbolized as “the Water-Bearer,” is a notable constellation straddling the celestial equator between Capricornus and Pisces. Its symbol, ♒, represents water, highlighting its significance across various cultures as a bearer of life and sustenance.
Aquarius is one of the oldest recognized constellations in the zodiac, with its roots deeply embedded in ancient mythologies, including Babylonian, Greek, and Egyptian.
Discovery and History
Who discovered the Aquarius constellation?
Aquarius wasn’t “discovered” in the conventional sense but has been recognized since antiquity.
It was one of the 48 constellations listed by the 2nd-century astronomer Ptolemy and remains among the 88 modern constellations today.
The constellation’s depiction as a water carrier or cup bearer has been consistent across different cultures, from the Babylonians, who associated it with the god Ea, to the Greeks, who linked it to Ganymede, the beautiful Trojan youth taken to Olympus by Zeus.
How old is Aquarius?
Aquarius, as a constellation recognized by ancient astronomers, dates back over two millennia. Its stars, however, like those forming other constellations, are far older, with ages ranging from millions to billions of years.
Astronomical Characteristics
Star Composition
Aquarius hosts several notable stars, including Sadalsuud (Beta Aquarii) and Sadalmelik (Alpha Aquarii), alongside deep sky objects like the Messier 2 and Messier 72 globular clusters, and the Helix Nebula.
The constellation is the 10th largest, occupying an area of 980 square degrees in the sky, visible best in October.
Despite its size and the presence of meteor showers like the Eta Aquariids and Delta Aquariids, Aquarius lacks bright stars, with only two stars brighter than magnitude 3.00.
Meteor Showers
Aquarius is associated with several meteor showers, including the March Aquariids, Eta Aquariids, Delta Aquariids, and Iota Aquariids.
These meteor showers offer a celestial spectacle that underscores the constellation’s significance in the night sky.
Aquarius, spanning across a vast area in the sky, serves as a bridge between myth and astronomy, connecting ancient stories to the celestial wonders of the modern universe.
Its stars, meteor showers, and deep-sky objects make it a fascinating constellation for both amateur astronomers and those interested in the mythological tales that have shaped our understanding of the cosmos.
