The Pisces Constellation by Angela Kyntchev https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj en-us 2020-10-21 17:09:53 UTC 2023-02-19 02:16:49 UTC hello@padlet.com The Pisces Constellation angela533 https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/854400772 Pisces, or also known as the fish constellation is one of the largest constellations in the sky! This constellation is best viewed during the fall and winter. The Pisces Constellation is part of the Zodiac family of constellations. (StartDate, 2020). The Pisces Constellation takes up 889 squares degrees, thus making it the 14th largest Constellation. (Zimmerman, 2018). However, the stars in this constellation are quite faint, which makes it a difficult to see this constellation with the naked eye. (Zimmerman, 2018). The Pisces constellation contains a single Messier object (the spiral galaxy Messier 74); Messier objects are a set 110 astronomical objects that were catalogued by the French astronomer Charles Messier. (Constellation Guide, 2020). The Pisces constellation also has 10 starts with known planets (Constellation Guide 2020). The brightest star in the Pisces constellation is the Eta Piscium; the Pisces constellation also contains 9 stars that are formally named: Alpherg, Alrescha, Belenos, Citadelle, Eblam Fumalsamakah, Parumleo, Revati, and Torcular. (Constellation Guide 2020). The Pisces constellation is located in between the Aries constellation (to the east) and the Aquarius constellation (to the west). (Constellation Guide, 2020). There is only one major meteor shower that is associated with the Pisces constellation, which was known as the Piscids (Nine Plants, 2019). ]]> 2020-10-22 22:19:03 UTC https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/854400772 Origin and History of the Pisces Constellation angela533 https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858133071 The Pisces constellation originates from some composition of the Babylonian constellations Sinutu4, also known as the "great swallow", in the current western Pisces, and Anunitum, also known as the "Lady of the Heaven," in the current northern fish (Nine Planets, 2019). There are many myths and origin stories linked to the Pisces Constellation. As legend has it, the Pisces constellation's origin can be linked to Babylonian times. It is said, that the Babylonians saw this constellation as "a pair of fish joined by a cord." (Constellation Guide, 2020). Typically, this constellation is linked to the Roman myth of Venus and Cupid. It is said that Venus and Cupid tied themselves with a rope and transformed into a fish to escape the monster Typhon. Alpha Piscium, which is a start, signified the "knot" of the rope. The Pisces constellation also has another story which is associated with Greek mythology. According to this Greek myth, after the Olympian gods have defeated the Titians, Giants, and Gaia. Gaia sent Typhon to defeat the gods.  Typhon was the scariest and ugliest monster ever known. According to Hesiod in the Theogony, Typhon had a hundred dragon's heads, which from each head, black tounges flicked out. (Ridpath). Pan was the first to this monster's coming. Pan informed the gods of Typhons coming and in a panic, transformed himself into a goatfish. He jumped into the river Euphrates in hopes to escape this wretched monster. (The constellation, Capricornus is what represents this goatfish). The Greek goddess Aphrodite and her son Eros jumped into the river and asked the water nymphs for help. Although this story has many versions, in one of the versions it is said that the mother and son were saved by two fish. However, it another version, it was said, that the both the mother and son transformed themselves into fish. (Constellation Guided, 2020). The Pisces Constellation is represented by two fish swimming at right angles towards each other, one to the north and one to the west. Each fish is attached to each other by a cord. (Zimmerman, 2018). However, the Pieces constellation is almost definitively of Babylonian origin rather than Greek origin (Ford, 2020). The true significance (or the "original meaning of the significant) of the cord connecting the tails of the two fish has been lost over the years (Ford, 2020). The Greek astronomer Ptolemy was said to first introduce the Pisces constellation in the 2nd century CE. (Constellation Guide, 2020). ]]> 2020-10-24 15:37:21 UTC https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858133071 How to Find Pisces the Fish Constellation of the Zodiac angela533 https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858211777 This video does an excellent job of visually walking through how to find the Pisces Constellation as well as goes into depth on the meaning and origin of the constellation. For me, sometimes seeing pictures with auditory explanation really helps to stick. This video does a really good job of taking all of the important elements of the Pisces constellation, such as the history and origin. This video also goes into depth on how exactly you find the Pisces constellation. It is wonderful to know a lot about the history of the constellation and why it is named the way it is; however, it is also important to know how to find it. This helps to create a well-rounded idea of the constellation. It is also helpful because the narrator does a fantastic job of providing meaningful information. In end, if the viewer can only read or watch on section of this Padlet, this video does a great job of summarizing the Pisces constellation. ]]> 2020-10-24 16:59:20 UTC https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858211777 Pisces the Fishes angela533 https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858226896 Illustration via Urania's Mirror. Pisces’ alpha star Al Risha can be found where the 2 tails of the Fish come together (McClure, 2019). This image showcases how the idea of "two fish" fit into the Pisces Constellation. This image illustration showcases how there is a cord that is connecting the two fish together. This is a very useful illustration because when viewing the constellation in the format or solely starts, it is very difficult to see how two fish are tied together with a cord. By seeing the Pisces constellation through this lens, it is very easy to see how the legend behind this constellation came to be. This is illustration creates an opportunity for the viewer to connect to the perspective of the people who created the robust stories around this constellation and to see how people from many generations before saw some of the same things in the night sky. ]]> 2020-10-24 17:14:43 UTC https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858226896 Image of the Pisces Constellation in the Night Sky angela533 https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858238653 Although it is important to add images that enhance the image of the Pisces Constellation, including an  picture of the constellation from the night sky is important. This way, some of these more artistic depictions of the Pisces constellation can make a little more senses (Zimmerman, 2018).]]> 2020-10-24 17:26:51 UTC https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858238653 Image of the Pisces Constellation angela533 https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858242891 The image below is a very three-dimensional representation of the Pisces Constellation. Much like the other image of the Pisces constellation selected, this image really helps the viewer visualized the "two fish tied together with a cord" idea. However, what is particularly interesting about this image, is how the star version of the constellation is adjacent to the three-dimensional model of the fish. This way, the viewer can get a much clear view of how the two fish are position in the "star" version of the Pisces constellation. Also, I really love the color selection of the dark and light blues. This really helps to note the idea of the water element of the Pisces constellation. According to the myths relating to the Pisces constellation, it is said that the Greek goddess Aphrodite and her son Eros jumped into the river and both turned into a fish. This image really helps to emphasis the river in the Greek story. ]]> 2020-10-24 17:31:06 UTC https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858242891 Constellation: Toward the Rainbow, 1941 angela533 https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858256257 The image below is a part of the fifteenth in a series of twenty-three Constellations painted by Joan Miró between January 1940 and September 1941 (Artspace 2017). This painting portrays a snapshot of a group of constellations is such an abstract way. This painting is interesting because it takes an image of something very rooted in science, the position of stars or a picture of the sky and creates such an artful and abstract view of it. This cross section between science and art is very meaningful and helpful in creating a more diverse point of view on this topic. This piece of artwork showcases such an unusual interpretation of the night sky. Specifically, the depiction of the Pisces constellation is quite interesting. The artist uses captivating style to showcase the Pisces constellation tying in his artistic viewpoint, but also keeps the integrity of the story and meanings behind the Pisces constellation. ]]> 2020-10-24 17:45:30 UTC https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858256257 Sound of Pisces Constellation angela533 https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858330338 In this video, the sound is of the angular distance between the stars in the Pisces Constellation and around the Earth. This is a very interesting video because I was not anticipating that there was a sound related to the constellation! I thought that it was very interesting to hear what a constellation sounds like. Although entering this video with high hopes, much to my dismay, the sound was not as “nice” as I thought it would be. The sound produced by this constellation is almost unpleasant to listen too. When listing to the video, a feeling of discomfort arose. Despite the sound being unpleasant to listen too, I thought that it was so interesting to include a sound that the Pisces constellation theoretically makes. In the end, this audio brings a new layer to the story of the Pisces constellation. So far in this project, one can read about the constellation and see it, however by adding an audio element, it really helps to create an all encapsulating message. ]]> 2020-10-24 19:11:08 UTC https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858330338 Pisces Relaxation Music angela533 https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858350062 This video, unlike the other video it extremely calming and pleasurable to listen to. Although this video is a little bit more geared towards to the zodiac sign Pisces, rather than the Pisces constellation, the video displays many space and star related images. This video is included because it showcased a point of view of the beauty and tranquility of the Pisces constellation. When looking back at the myths relating to the Pisces constellation, at a first glance, one can view the stories as "unfortunate" because Aphrodite and her sone Eros turned into fish. However, there is some level of beauty in that story. I think that this video helps encapsulate the idea of the "beauty and tranquility" in the story. It is important to showcase the good and the bad in the situation. The other video “Sound of the Pisces Constellation” showcases the cold and unpleasant side of space and the Pisces constellation, however, this video showcases the beauty and peacefulness of space and the Pisces constellation.     ]]> 2020-10-24 19:33:53 UTC https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858350062 Poem that is connected to the Pisces Constellation angela533 https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858382245 In this poem, written by Nikita Gill, it touches on the idea that we are significant and worthy. The poem goes to showcase that we are made from constellations and from stars. The poem is really pushing the idea that we are so very important and should remember that! Although at a first glance, the connection to the Pisces constellation is not evident, this poem speaks about the complexity and beauty of the constellations. The Pisces constellation is comprised of so many stars and is physically bound by stardust. It to, although, can seem pointless, has been such an important aspect in many people's lives for thousands of years. So many people from past generations would use the Pisces constellation as a notion of comfort as well as something to tell stories about. I think that relating this poem to such a large and well known constellation like the Pisces constellation because although the constellation can be forgotten, it the past, it has given so many people from past generations stories.]]> 2020-10-24 20:15:33 UTC https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858382245 Pisces in Hevelius' map (1690) angela533 https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858393685 This is a visual depiction of the Pisces constellation in Hevelius' map.]]> 2020-10-24 20:29:31 UTC https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858393685 Urania's Mirror (1824) angela533 https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858394759 This image is a depiction of the Pisces constellation from 1824.]]> 2020-10-24 20:31:00 UTC https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858394759 Night Sky Star Map (1948) angela533 https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858396171 This image is from 1948 and showcases constellations of the ancient Sea imagined by the ancients in this part of the sky. The Pisces constellation (in the bottom right hand corner) is included in this image.  ]]> 2020-10-24 20:33:09 UTC https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858396171 Sumerian Astrology Tablet (2,300 BC) (Non Western Artifact) angela533 https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858422449 Astrology (the 12 constellations) originated in Sumeria. Since the Pisces constellation is a part of the zodiac grouping of constellations, it is important to include an artifact discussing the origins of astrology and astronomical techniques from centuries ago. Babylonian astrology was created on the context of divination (Ancient Wisdom). These tables (like the picture below) are the oldest known text of Babylonian divination (Ancient Wisdom). These tablets record the day of the year that certain groups of stars, or constellations, appear in the sky at dawn (Ancient Wisdom). These
constellations are widely thought to be the precursors of the modern Signs of the Zodiac (Ancient Wisdom). This is important because this helps to answer some of the questions regard how people that lived during these times recorded this knowledge. This creates a sense of reliability to some of these ancient ideas about constellations because it is shown that the people of this time really tried to record as much as they could. ]]> 2020-10-24 21:09:35 UTC https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858422449 Mural of the Myth of the Pisces Constellation (Non Western Artifact) angela533 https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858432126 The picture below is of the myth behind the Pisces constellation. According to one of the more popular Greek myths, it is said the According to this Greek myth, after the Olympian gods have defeated the Titians, Giants, and Gaia. Gaia sent Typhon to defeat the gods. In efforts to escape Typhon, the Greek goddess
Aphrodite and her son Eros jumped into the river and turned into fish. This
mural showcases that two fish from the story. This is important because it
showcases how this myth was a part of life during ancient times. Since people were creating murals and art about this story, it can lead us to believe that this was a common story during these times. This is also interesting because it shows an interesting depiction and medium used for this piece of artwork. In
the end, it is interesting to see the artwork from many years ago to see some of the perspectives of the people living during these times. ]]> 2020-10-24 21:23:20 UTC https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858432126 Ceiling of the Hypostyle Hall at Dendera Temple (Non Western Artifact) angela533 https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858438643 The Temple of Hathor at Dendera is one of Egypt's best preserved and most beautiful ancient shrines. This image is interesting because it includes elements of the zodiac sign of Pisces. These drawings are on the ceiling of the temple which can signify the night sky. There are also many "star" looking symbols with the Pisces fish. With this known, this image can be alluding to the Pisces constellation. ]]> 2020-10-24 21:33:08 UTC https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858438643 Cross-Cultural Transmission of Scientific Knowledge Throughout History angela533 https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858601873 This constellation represents the cross-cultural transmission of scientific knowledge throughout history in a few ways. One of the main ways that this constellation represents the cross-cultural transmission of scientific knowledge is through astronomy. It is evident, based on some of the information found for this Padlet that many different cultures and locations across the world kept records to the night sky. For example, in the non-western picture on this Padlet, it is evident that people from Egypt recorded the stars in the sky. In this particular picture, it showcases a fish, which is a key figure in the Pisces Constellation. This showcases that information about zodiac signs and constellations traveled from the Sumeria to Egypt. Although this was more so the passing down of mythological stories from Greek times, it was interesting to see that each civilization and culture recorded information from the sky. For example, in this Padlet there is a tablet for Sumeria with information about the zodiacs and constellations. Not only did the people of Egypt and Sumeria have their own scientific methods of at astronomy, Chinese astronomers also knew a lot about the night sky. The Chinese astronomer knew of the line of seven stars from Alpha to Delta Psidium (which is what the Pisces constellation was (Ridpath). They know this as Waiping. They also knew the five stars including Eta Piscium, which formed Yougeny. These five starts representing a livestock manager (Ridpath). The zig-zagging chain of five star from the Beta to Iota formed Pili, which was known as a thunderclap or a thunderbolt (Ridpath). The list goes on. The Chinese astronomers found and named constellations also. However, what really proved that this was a cross-cultural transmission of scientific knowledge is that in all most all of the cultures, the ideas and images behind each constellation were the same. Although the Pieces constellation was named by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the 2nd century CE, the Chinese astronomers had similar ideas regarded the Pisces constellation. This really showcases that there must have been the passing of information about astrology and about the constellations from culture to culture. Without the transmission of information, there is not a plausibly explanation for most of the cultures to have the same ideas behind the constellations. This phenomenon of cross-cultural information transmission can be shown thought history as well. By looking at all of the different artifacts from over the centuries, we have the records, at least what is left and recoverable, from those times. These artifacts and scientific recordings from say China or Egypt, let us view what the people of that time where thinking and what perspective of the life they had.  By looking at these records and comparing them from culture to culture, we can prove that the ideas for the Pisces constellation, as well as others are the same. Even from the artifacts included in this Padlet, even though these artifacts are from different centuries and from different parts of the world ranging from the United States to Egypt to China, the core idea and depiction of the Pisces constellation is the same. It is fascinating to take the time and compare the cultural artifacts and records from many different cultures and at very different times in history and coming to the conclusion that overall it is the same (specifically in regard to the Pisces constellation). Thus, proving that the people of this time somehow were able to transfer scientific knowledge to each other. In the end, the ability for cultures to transfer information, whether that be artistic or scientific information, to each other, is essential in innovation and progress for all. 
 
]]> 2020-10-25 02:16:31 UTC https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858601873 References angela533 https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858605455 2020-10-25 02:23:39 UTC https://padlet.com/angela533/o9rt7cthe2eo32jj/wish/858605455