Sagittarius Constellation – Location and data! – Map of My Heaven

The Constellation of Sagittarius is one of the Constellations of the Zodiac, as well as one of the oldest catalogued.

It is located right in the center of the Milky Way and symbolizes the mythological centaur with the bow in his hand.

See how to find the Sagittarius Constellation, what its stars and main objects are, as well as its history in Greek Mythology.

How to locate the Sagittarius Constellation?

Despite being the 15th largest constellation in terms of area in our sky, finding Sagittarius is not so easy, due to its less obvious shape.

She is surrounded by the Constellation Capricorn, Southern Crown, Serpentarius, Shield and the Constellation Scorpio. The latter serves more as a basis for locating the cluster in question.

Scorpio’s “sting” is found close to Sagittarius’ arrow, as well as the arch that the Southern Crown forms.

It is a constellation that is positioned in the equatorial zone, and is visible to us during autumn and winter. Between the end of July and beginning of August. It is right above our heads.

It is also at the center of the Milky Way, which gives it some very special objects!

If you want to find the Sagittarius Constellation more accurately, use astronomy apps. Because they will show you the exact region where you should observe!

Sagittarius Stars and Deep Sky Objects

The region is well known for its expressive nebulae and also the massive areas of stars.

There are eight stars that form the famous asterism of the constellation, the so-called “Tea Pot”.

The brightest of them is Kaus Australis (Epsilon Sagittarii). A large orange star, 85 light years from us.

The second brightest is Sigma Sagittarii, popularly known as Nunki. A bluish-white star, about 210 light years from Earth.

However, the tip of the teapot points to the center of our galaxy, and there we can see several celestial bodies.

When we talk about nebulas, the ones that are most prominent in the constellation of Sagittarius are the diffuse or gaseous ones (formed by clouds of gas and dust), namely: the Lagoon Nebula (M8), the Omega Nebula (M17) and the Trifid Nebula (M20).

The most prominent clusters are: M22, M23 and M25. In the first, there are around 70,000 stars in an area of ​​more than 200 light years in diameter.

Then, in M23, there are more than 120 stars visible, which was one of the oldest in this category.

Finally, M25, which is 23 light years long, with more than 85 registered stars.

Although there are many fantastic objects throughout the region, the center of the Milky Way is a somewhat dark area. This is because the enormous amount of dust absorbs much of the visible light, preventing us from seeing this extraordinary spectacle!

Interesting, right?

History of the Sagittarius Constellation

According to Greek Mythology, the story of the Sagittarius Constellation has to do with the mythological creature of the centaur.

However, not just anyone, but Chiron, son of Cronos (god of time) with a nymph, Filira.

He is endowed with a lot of intelligence and wisdom, being a master in several areas of knowledge.

However, one day, the hero Hercules unintentionally hits him with a poisoned arrow. The centaur is seriously injured and nothing can restore his health.

So, he asks Zeus to have mercy and the god, compassionate, transfers his immortality. So, when he finally has peace, they take him to the heavens and transform him into the constellation.

See other myths about the Zodiac Constellations and understand how ancient people saw the stars in the past!

Sagittarius sign

At a certain point, Astronomy and Astrology separate, with one focusing on the scientific study of the stars, while the other searches for their mystical and cosmic influences.

Thus, it was noted that, according to the period in which the Sun fell on the Ecliptic in certain bands, the characteristics of certain groups converged.

Therefore, the Signs are the representation of these meridians and their respective particularities.

Therefore, anyone born between November 22nd and December 21st belongs to the sign of Sagittarius, possessing strong traits of intellectuality and self-confidence.

Understand more about the personality of the signs and how each one is unique in their own way!

Gift of the constellations

Once you know a little more about the Sagittarius Constellation and are interested in the mysteries of the universe, how about giving a creative and meaningful gift that has everything to do with the theme?

We at make celestial maps that show what the sky was like on a special day for you!

Based on reliable astronomical data, we created a wonderful custom painting, full of beautiful details.

You can put whatever message you think is best, as well as information such as: the Milky Way, the Moon, the names of the constellations, among others. Cool huh?

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Furthermore, check out other gifts that also carry all the beauty of the universe:

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