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Constellation of Libra

auteur: A.Fujii/David Malin Images/Novapix

référence: a-cst04-00006

Image Size 300 DPI: 40 * 51 cm

Libra, The Scales is an ambivalent constellation in that it was created by the Romans during the reign of Julius Caesar from the rather empty patch of sky westward of neighbouring Scorpius. The ancient Greeks knew the stars of what is now Libra as the Claws of the Scorpion and the star names preserve their ancient origins. The names Zeuben Eschamali, Zeuben Elgenubi and Zeuben Elakrab are besed on the Arabic words for northern claw, southern claw, and the scorpion's claw respectively. The Roman interpretation reflects that of ancient Egypt, where the main stars are known as the northern and southern scales, as in a balance-beam weighting device. Ptolemy and other classical writers refer to the group as both the Scales and as the Claws, and there is a link in this idea to the adjoining constellation of Virgo, where the female figure is sometimes shown as holding the Scales of Justice. Libra is a constellation of the Zodiac, the only one that does not represent some kind of real or imaginary creature. The Sun was in Libra during the (northern) autumnal equinox in Roman times, again adding to the idea of balance between day and night. However, precession has now shifted the point where the Sun moves south of the ecliptic into Virgo.  

Keywords for this photo:

ANTARES - ASTRONOMY - CONSTELLATION - LIBRA - NIGHT - POSTER - STAR - STARRY SKY - ZODIAC -