What's Up!
(Fact & Fantasy about the Autumn constellations) by Stardancer

For thousands of years, people have been enchanted by dolphins. Archeological digs around the Mediterranean Sea have unearthed ancient artifacts such as bowls, jars, and goblets painted with figures of dolphins that were used in homes. Carved stone fetishes of dolphins and dolphin statues have also been found in sites that were once used as temples. Many early cultures believed the dolphin was a sacred animal and had the protection of deities such as Neptune and Aphrodite. Various tales of the sea have often described dolphins saving sailors when their ships were sinking or they were in some form of peril. And so goes the Greek myth of Arion the poet, finding himself in a predicament at sea, but finally to be rescued by a dolphin.

It seems that Arion was an extremely talented poet and harpist who lived in Corinth. Arion sang so sweetly, that he charmed the Gods, his King and Queen, and all the creatures of the sea. After many years, Arion became homesick and asked the King if he could sail home for a visit on one of the kings ships that passed his homeland. His wish was granted, but after a few days at sea, crew members discovered that Arion was carrying with him gold coins, so they plotted to throw Arion overboard and steal his gold. Arion asked if he could play one more tune, and the melody was so lovely it attracted a school of dolphins. When his song was finished, Arion jumped from the ship into the cold salty water. A dolphin quickly lifted Arion upon his back and returned him to Corinth leaving the poet safely ashore.

The King was outraged and when the ship returned to Corinth, all of the crew was thrown into prison. Arion commissioned a marble statue be made of the dolphin which, when finished, he placed in the temple of Apollo. Apollo was so delighted that he honored the dolphin by placing it among the stars so that it could be admired by mankind forever.

Delphinus is an easy constellation to spot swimming at the edge of what is known as 'The Celestial Sea'. This part of the sky is shared by other aquatic myths such as Cetus the Whale, Capricornus the Sea Goat, and Pisces the Fish. It is one of the smaller constellations shaped like a small kite, or a dolphin with a tail, in a sparse, dark area just outside of the Milky Way Stream. To find Delphinus, locate Aquila - a large diamond shape constellation in the Milky Way Stream. About a handspan (from the heel of your hand to the tip of your middle finger) southeast of the bright star in the middle of Aquila, look for four stars that form a small diamond shape with a fifth star just a bit lower and off to the side making up the tail. With little effort, you will be able to imagine the arched body of a dolphin.

Now that the heat of summer has begun to subside, autumn evenings are more enjoyable for extended star gazing. So take a pair of binoculars, some beautiful music, a favorite beverage, and get out and see 'em.

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