Pisces (constellation)
| Pisces | |
| File:Pisces constellation map small.png larger image | |
| Abbreviation | Psc |
| Genitive | Piscium |
| Meaning in English | the Fishes |
| Right ascension | 1 h |
| Declination | 15° |
| Visible to latitude | Between 65° and −90° |
| Best visible | November |
| Area - Total | Ranked 14th 889 sq. deg. |
| Number of stars with apparent magnitude < 3 | 0 |
| Brightest star - Apparent magnitude | η Psc 3.6 |
| Meteor showers | Piscids |
| Bordering constellations |
Triangulum
Aries |
Pisces (the fishes) is a zodiac constellation which lies between Aquarius to the west and Aries to the east.
Notable features
Pisces is quite a dim constellation; the brightest star, η Piscium, is only of magnitude 3,6. α Piscium is called Alrisha, "the knot," being the knot that ties the two fishes together.
The point at which the ecliptic crosses the celestial equator heading northward, the vernal equinox, is found about 8° south of the star ω Piscium.
Notable deep-sky objects
M74, an attractive but dim spiral galaxy, is found just northeast of η Piscium.
Mythology
According to one version in Greek mythology, this constellation represents fish into which Aphrodite and Eros transformed in order to escape the monstrous Typhon. The two fishes are often depicted tied together with a cord, to make sure they do not lose one another.
Astrology
The astrological sign Pisces (February 19 - March 20) is associated with the constellation. In some cosmologies, Pisces is associated with the Classical Element Water, and thus called a Water Sign (with Cancer and Scorpio). Its polar opposite is Virgo.
In zoological taxonomy, Pisces is the scientific name of the superclass Pisces. See also "fishes".