Galactic Astronomy

Malus

Malus: A Lost Star in a Lost Ship

The celestial landscape is vast and ever-changing, with stars shifting and constellations evolving over time. In the annals of astronomy, one such lost star, known as Malus, holds a unique place within the grand tapestry of the cosmos.

A Piece of Argo's Broken Hull:

Malus was not an individual star but rather a section within the ancient constellation of Argo Navis. This grand constellation, representing the ship of Jason and the Argonauts from Greek mythology, was once the largest in the sky. However, its sheer size proved cumbersome for practical use, leading to its division into three smaller constellations in the late 18th century: Carina, Puppis, and Vela.

Malus, meaning "mast" in Latin, was the section of Argo Navis that depicted the ship's mast. This region contained numerous stars, including Canopus, the second brightest star in the night sky.

Lost in the Modern Sky:

While Argo Navis remains a historical name, Malus itself is no longer a recognized constellation. The modern International Astronomical Union (IAU) officially divides the sky into 88 constellations, leaving Malus as a relic of a bygone era.

The Legacy of Malus:

Though no longer a formal constellation, Malus's legacy persists in the names of individual stars within the region. For example, the bright star η Carinae is also known as "Aspidiske," a name derived from the ancient Greek term for a wooden shield, referencing Malus's association with the ship's mast.

The story of Malus highlights the dynamic nature of astronomy and the way our understanding of the cosmos evolves over time. It serves as a reminder that even as constellations shift and disappear, the individual stars within them continue to shine, carrying with them tales of ancient myths and the enduring human fascination with the heavens.


Test Your Knowledge

Malus Quiz:

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What was Malus? a) A single, bright star. b) A section of a larger constellation. c) A group of galaxies. d) A planet in our solar system.

Answer

b) A section of a larger constellation.

2. Which constellation did Malus belong to? a) Orion b) Ursa Major c) Argo Navis d) Cassiopeia

Answer

c) Argo Navis

3. What does the name "Malus" mean? a) Ship b) Star c) Mast d) Navigator

Answer

c) Mast

4. Why is Malus no longer a recognized constellation? a) It disappeared from the sky. b) It was too small to be of interest. c) The International Astronomical Union (IAU) reorganized constellations. d) It was discovered to be a different type of object.

Answer

c) The International Astronomical Union (IAU) reorganized constellations.

5. What is the name of the bright star within the Malus region that is also known as "Aspidiske"? a) Polaris b) Sirius c) Canopus d) η Carinae

Answer

d) η Carinae

Malus Exercise:

Instructions:

Use online resources (like Stellarium or Google Sky) to locate the region of the sky where Malus used to be located.

  1. Identify the modern constellations that encompass the area of Malus (Carina, Puppis, and Vela).
  2. Locate the star η Carinae (Aspidiske) within those constellations.
  3. Reflect on the historical significance of the Malus region and its connection to the ancient ship of Argo Navis.

Exercice Correction

Using Stellarium or Google Sky, you should be able to identify the constellations of Carina, Puppis, and Vela. You can then locate η Carinae, a bright star within Carina. Reflecting on the historical significance of Malus, you can appreciate how our understanding of the cosmos has changed over time, while the stars continue to shine with their own stories.


Books

  • "A History of Astronomy from Herschel to Hertzsprung" by Agnes Mary Clerke: This comprehensive text provides historical context for the division of Argo Navis and the naming of constellations.
  • "Norton's Star Atlas and Reference Handbook" by Ian Ridpath and Wil Tirion: This popular atlas includes detailed star charts, constellation information, and historical notes.
  • "The Stars: A New Way to See Them" by H.A. Rey: This engaging book offers a fun and accessible introduction to constellations and their mythology.

Articles

  • "The Constellation Argo Navis: A History" by John M. Pasachoff (available online in various astronomy journals): Provides a detailed account of the history and division of the constellation Argo Navis.
  • "The Evolution of Constellations" by Richard Hinckley Allen (found in "Star Names: Their Lore and Meaning"): Discusses the changing nature of constellations and their cultural significance.

Online Resources

  • International Astronomical Union (IAU): https://www.iau.org/ The official website for the IAU provides information about the 88 modern constellations.
  • Wikipedia: Argo Navis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argo_Navis Contains historical information and details about the stars within the former constellation.
  • Stellarium: https://stellarium.org/ This free planetarium software allows you to explore the night sky and learn about stars and constellations.

Search Tips

  • "Argo Navis history"
  • "Constellation division"
  • "Star names and mythology"
  • "History of astronomy"
  • "Ancient constellations"

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