Pisces

AbbreviationPsc
GenitivePiscium
Meaning in Englishthe Fishes
Right ascension1 h
Declination15°
Visible to latitudeBetween 65° and -90°
On meridian9 p.m., November 10
Area
 - Total
Ranked 14th
889 sq. deg.
Number of stars with
apparent magnitude < 3
0
Brightest star
 - Apparent magnitude
η Psc
3,6
Meteor showersxxx
Bordering constellations

Pisces (the fishes) is a zodiac constellation which lies between Aquarius to the west and Aries to the east.

Table of contents
1 Notable features
2 Notable deep-sky objects
3 Mythology

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 that Aphrodite and Eros transformed into 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.


Constellations of the zodiac : Aries -- Taurus -- Gemini -- Cancer -- Leo -- Virgo -- Libra -- Scorpius -- Ophiuchus -- Sagittarius -- Capricornus -- Aquarius -- Pisces


In zoological taxonomy, Pisces is the scientific name of the Class "fishes".