"Cetus the Whale is a long constellation that rises in the east-southeast on fall evenings. It’s the fourth largest of the 88 constellations, losing out only to Ursa Major, Virgo and Hydra." #mythology
earthsky.org/constellations…
"In Greek #mythology Cetus was a fearsome sea monster - nearly ate Andromeda before Perseus arrived and saved the day...
Depending on the myth you read, Cetus either meets its fate on the sword of Perseus or by turning to stone after viewing the severed head of Medusa."
"The brightest star in Cetus goes by three different names: Beta Ceti, Diphda and Deneb Kaitos. This star shines at magnitude 2.0 and lies in the tail of the beast."
Fun note: This star's system is frequently referred to as the 'Deneb system' in #StarTrek!
The second brightest star in Cetus 'Mira the Wonderful'
Mira, or Omicron Ceti's "immense speed and the fact that Mira is nearing the end of its life and ejecting material means the wonderful star sports a tail that stretches for an incredible 13 light-years."
"Mira will eventually create another planetary nebula in Cetus when it ends its life and ejects its remaining gas."
The most noteworthy nebula already in Cetus: NGC 246 , or "the Skull Nebula", for obvious reasons. (Pictured here)
Note: they call Cetus a whale, and the scientific name for whales is Cetacea, but older atlases Cetus is pictures more like a monster with a fish tail than a whale.
"Bottom line: Cetus the Whale is a huge constellation that swims in a sea of stars..."
I can't help but add that the scene where Perseus saves Andromeda is a popular theme in art, going all the way back to ancient times.
Very popular.
PS - The ancient Greeks didnt' call sea monsters, or Cetus, 'the Kraken', but it does sound a lot cooler to say than 'Release the Cetus', haha
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