The autumn night sky offers a striking landmark: the constellation Pegasus, the winged horse. Easily identifiable by the four bright stars forming the “Great Square,” Pegasus is a prominent fixture in the November sky. The square itself provides a simple way to observe color variations in stars: Alpheratz (white) contrasts with the reddish hue of Scheat. Binoculars can enhance these subtle differences.
Navigating the Constellation
While Alpheratz marks a corner of the Great Square, it’s officially part of the Andromeda constellation. Running westward from the square are Mirach (reddish) and Almach (orange), with fainter stars appearing paler in color.
A Celestial Baseball Diamond
Pegasus has inspired playful interpretations, including a celestial baseball diamond. The star Scheat serves as home plate, with Alpheratz, Algenib, and Markab marking first, second, and third base, respectively. Adjacent constellations like Aries, Pisces, and Fomalhaut can be incorporated as outfielders, creating a whimsical map of the night sky.
This idea isn’t new. Astronomer Henry Neely, known as the “Dean of New York Stargazers,” outlined a similar diamond in his 1946 book, A Primer for Star Gazers. A later comparison referred to Neely’s diamond as Yankee Stadium, while the Pegasus configuration was dubbed the Polo Grounds.
Mythological Roots
Pegasus is central to several Greek myths. He aided Perseus in rescuing Andromeda from the sea monster Cetus, and was later ridden by the hero Bellerophon to defeat the Chimera. However, Bellerophon’s hubris led to his downfall: Zeus sent a gadfly to sting Pegasus, causing him to throw Bellerophon, who crashed and was left blind and lame.
A Cautionary Tale
The story of Bellerophon serves as a reminder that even those who ride high on mythical steeds can fall from grace. The myth also offers a parallel to real-world ambition and consequences. The British warship that took Napoleon Bonaparte into surrender after his defeat at Waterloo was named HMS Bellerophon, a fittingly ironic choice for the defeated emperor.
Conclusion
Pegasus is more than just a constellation; it’s a celestial tapestry woven with myth, ambition, and the cautionary lessons of those who dared to reach too high. Whether viewed as a whimsical baseball diamond or a tragic reminder of mortal hubris, the winged horse remains a captivating presence in the autumn night sky
