Constellation Reformation


(Image credit: Flickr user Diana Kathrina Leomo)

by Ursula Majors

A constellation is a group of stars that form a particular pattern. The celestial sphere is traditionally divided into 88 such constellations. Most are arranged to resemble characters from Ancient Greek mythology, and all have Latin names. Examples include Aries, Cygnus, Pisces and Virgo.

[caption id="attachment_53203" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="Figure 1. The constellation Cassiopeia transformed into Handgun."][/caption]

These archaic descriptors and their associated myths are usually lost on today’s youth. Adolescents have difficulty relating to outdated objects such as harps, herdsmen and flying horses, as they are enamored with modern-day conveniences such as cars, computers and coffee shops. It should come as no surprise that fewer and fewer young people show any interest in astronomy.

[caption id="attachment_53204" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Figure 2. The constellation Gemini transformed into Cell Phone."][/caption]

I have devised a comprehensive restructuring of constellation naming conventions as a means of attracting more students. Along with radical design changes, it also forsakes Latin names in favor of modern English.

For example, consider Cassiopeia, which depicts the mythological queen sitting in a chair. I believe that this constellation would be much more palatable to today’s youth if it were reoriented and renamed Handgun, as illustrated in Figure 1.

[caption id="attachment_53205" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Figure 3. The constellation Taurus transformed into Electric Guitar."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_53206" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Figure 4. The constellation Leo transformed into Motorcycle."][/caption]

Likewise, Gemini, which portrays twin brothers Castor and Pollux, would be better served if it were transformed into Cell Phone, as shown in Figure 2.

Two additional examples are Taurus refurbished as Electric Guitar (Figure 3) and Leo modernized to become Motorcycle (Figure 4). These are but a few of the possibilities. If my constellation reformation is embraced by the scientific community, I will supply others.

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The article above is republished with permission from the January-February 2008 issue of the Annals of Improbable Research. You can download or purchase back issues of the magazine, or subscribe to receive future issues. Or get a subscription for someone as a gift!

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If this had happened 200 years ago we'd have 'The Spinning Jenny', 'The Flying Shuttle' and 'Compton's Mule' as constellations, and later generations would be just as ignorant of what the original objects were, so perhaps sticking with Greek myths isn't such a bad idea.

"fewer and fewer young people show any interest in astronomy"
Citation needed - I don't buy it, mainly because astronomy is a minority sport now and always has been, perhaps because it's best done outdoors in the middle of the night with a telescope.

You could just as easily say that post-911 hysteria puts people off astronomy, given that the vast majority of the named stars (rather than constellations, which are mostly Greek names) have Arabic names... but I don't believe that either.

If we named the constellations after celebrities, then maybe we'd be getting somewhere - think how many kids would dash outside to see Bieber's Microphone or Jolie's Pout. As for J-Lo, well 'The Moon' was starting to become a bit dull wasn't it?
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You do this and I'll come up with new astrological traits based on the new zodiac.

"Electric Guitar (20 April - 21 May): You are know the value of good music and typically have good tastes. Determined in all aspects of life; Electric Guitars are known to Rock 'n' Roll all night, and party everyday even if they have to fight for their right to do so. Parents, Cops, and other squares should just keep out of your business, man."

"Motorcycles (23 July – 23 August): May will be a good month for motorcycles as Mars comes wandering into your constellation. This is a good time to take a trip, riding into the sunset while wearing a lot of leather. Good thing too, as the annual Harley-Davidson charity ride is coming and you'll take any excuse to rev your engine down main street while your neighbors are trying to have an enjoyable Sunday. Avoid real bikers this weekend."
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