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Eridanus

Quick Facts

Name:Eridanus
eh-RID-ah-nuss
Meaning:River (Proper)
Abbreviation:Eri
Genitive:Eridani
Visible in Latitudes:60° thru -90°
Viewing Season:Winter
Best Seen In:December, 9:00 pm
Transit Date:October 16
Right Ascension:3.92 hours
Declination:-15.8 degrees
Area:1137.919 sq. degrees

Star Diagram

Star Diagram: Eridanus

About Eridanus

Eridanus was one of the original 48 constellations first drawn by Ptolemy, but its date of actual origin is unknown. It has been thought to be the river of tears wept by the Heliades at the death of their brother Phaethon. Phaethon was hurled by Jove into the river after he attempted to drive the chariot of the sun.

However, Eridanus is a southern constellation and doesn't fit well with this particular myth. Some think it refers to the Nile; such references as Eratoshenes, Germanicus and Hyginus all refer to Nilus in this area of the sky.

The Euphrates river may be a better fit; both rivers are similiar, in that they wind and both have two major branches in them, and both have references to connecting heaven and hell. In ancient times, the Nile was known as Ioma, or Iauma, the Sea, whereas the Euphrates was known as Pura, or Purat, the River. To the Arabs, however, the constellation was associated with Nar, or Nahar, which translated to the Nile.

Named Stars

 
NameStar
AchernarAlpha Eri
CursaBeta Eri
ZaurakGamma Eri
RanaDelta Eri
ZibalEpsilon 2 Eri
AzhaZeta Eri
AcamarEta Eri
BeidTheta 1 Eri
KeidOmicron 1 Eri
AngetenarOmicron 2 Eri
TheemimTau 2 Eri
Sceptrum53 Eri

Neighboring Constellations

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