Andromeda Constellation

The Chained Princess

Pronunciation: an-DRAH-mih-duh

Andromeda Constellation Andromeda from John Flamsteed’s Atlas Coelestis. Source image provided by www.RareMaps.com — Barry Lawrence Ruderman Antique Maps Inc.
Andromeda Constellation Facts
Abbreviation: And Genitive: Andromedae
Origin: Ancient Location: Northern Hemisphere
Best View (North): Autumn Best View (South):
Bordering Constellations: Perseus, Cassiopeia, Lacerta, Pegasus, Pisces, Triangulum

The Myth Behind the Constellation Andromeda

Andromeda was the daughter of King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopeia of Aethiopia. She was chained to a seaside rock as a sacrifice to stop the sea monster Cetus from ravaging the Aethiopian coast and destroying the country. The monster had been sent by Poseidon as a punishment for Queen Cassiopeia’s boasting that her daughter was more beautiful than any of the Nereids. As the monster approached, Andromeda was spotted by Perseus, who was fresh off his victory over the Gorgon Medusa. When he gazed upon the princess’ beauty he fell in love. He used the severed head of Medusa to turn the monster to stone, saving the princess. They married and had seven children. Upon her death she was placed amongst the stars by Athena.

Andromeda Constellation Points of Interest

Interesting Objects in the Constellation Andromeda
Name Messier NGC Type Visibility
Andromeda Galaxy M31 NGC 224 Spiral Galaxy Naked-Eye
M32 NGC 221 Elliptical Galaxy Binoculars
M110 NGC 205 Elliptical Galaxy Binoculars

Bright Stars in Andromeda

These are the stars in Andromeda with a minimum magnitude of 3.0.
Name Bayer Name Magnitude Color Luminosity Distance
Alpheratz Alpha Andromedae 2.06  Blue-White  139 suns 97 ly
Mirach Beta Andromedae 2.06  Red  3848 suns 199 ly
Almach Gamma Andromedae 2.26  Orange  5608 suns 356 ly