AndromedaBY: SAM STRAUSS, CLAUDIA WATSON, JOHN BARTON

Andromeda

Located in the northern sky

Named after the mythical princess

Referred to sometimes as the Chained Maiden, Persea, and Cepheis

Originally catalogued by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy

The Story of Andromeda Daughter of King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia of

Ethiopia

Offended the Nereids (sea nymphs) by her mother claiming that she was more beautiful than they were

Nereids told Poseidon and sent the sea monster, Cetus, to flood and destroy Cepheus’ lands

King sought advice from the Oracle of Ammon and he had to sacrifice his daughter to Cetus

Andromeda was chained to a rock naked

Perseus saves her by using Medusa’s head and they get married

Interesting Objects

Messier 31 (M31) aka the Andromeda Galaxy. 

2.2 million light-years from Earth

M31 is often referred to as a twin sister to the Milky Way

M31 is the largest neighboring galaxy to the Milky Way M31 is approximately 200,000 light-years in diameter

Magnitude of 3.5

752

Star cluster of about 100 stars 1500 light years away

Bright Star Names and Types of the Andromeda Constellation

Alpheratz, Alpha Andromedae, also known as Sirrah, is approximately 97 light years away from earth. It is a hot blue star classified as a B8 subgiant, and it is the brightest mercury-manganese star known, today.

Another bright one is, Mirach, Beta Andromedae. It lies 200 lights years away from earth, and it is classified as a cool, bright red class M giant.

Star Names and Types cont’d

Nembus, or 51 Andromedae, is the fifth brightest star in the constellation, and it is an orange K-type giant that lies 177 light years away.

Iota Andromedae is a B-type main sequence dwarf, and it lies about 503 light years away. It is a blue-white color.