Description
Aquarius (the water bearer) Constellation -- Location: Zodiac constellation, visible in both hemispheres; Coordinates: Right Ascension: 23h; Declination: -15?; Source: Identified by most ancient cultures
The constellations that are included in the Zodiac - the 12 constellations recognized by Babylonian astronomers through which our Sun, moon, and planets appeared to travel during the course of a year - are considered to be among the oldest sky patterns recognized by human civilizations.
They were thought to have more significance because they were touched by the Sun. The pattern of Aquarius was identified with water by almost all ancient cultures, including the Chinese and Indian, probably because its rising coincided with the rainy season.
The names given by Arabs to several of the stars in this constellation contain the word "luck", perhaps a reference to the good fortune brought by the effect of seasonal rains on the harvest, and the Arab name for the entire constellation translates as "well bucket". |
