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Sky Chart and Artist Rendering of Corvus
Origin:
One of the 48 constellations described by Ptolemy in the Almagest
(A.D. 140). In Western mythology, Corvus has always been associated
with a crow or raven.
Information:
Corvus is a small spring constellation which is extremely easy to find by
virtue of it almost perfect trapezoidal shape. Corvus is south of Virgo and west of the Spica (the brightest star in
Virgo. Corvus is highest in the southern sky about May 25 at 9 pm.
Mythology:
In one myth, Apollo sent the crow with a cup (Cater)
to obtain the "water of life". At the spring of the water
of life was a fig tree. The crow waited until the figs were ripe
and, after feasting on the fresh fruit, went back to Apollo.
Realizing that Apollo would be angry for the delay, the crow explained
that the water-snake (Hydra) prevented him from
getting back with the water earlier. Apollo saw through the lie and
banished the crow, cup, and water-snake to the sky.
In another myth, A white crow was sent
by Apollo to keep watch over Coronis, his beautiful lover. Failing
to prevent Coronis' infidelity, Apollo turned the crow black and banished
it to the sky forever. |
