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Pisces (the fishes) is a zodiac constellation which lies between Aquarius to the west and
Aries to the east.
Notable features
Pisces is quite a dim constellation; the brightest star, η Piscium, is only of magnitude 3,6. α Piscium is called
Alrisha, "the knot," being the knot that ties the two fishes together.
The point at which the ecliptic crosses the celestial equator heading northward,
the vernal equinox, is found about 8° south of the star ω
Piscium.
Notable deep-sky objects
M74, an attractive but dim spiral galaxy, is found just northeast of η Piscium.
Mythology
According to one version in Greek mythology, this constellation
represents fish into which Aphrodite and Eros transformed in order to escape the monstrous Typhon. The two
fishes are often depicted tied together with a cord, to make sure they do not lose one another.
Astrology
The astrological sign Pisces (February 19 - March 20) is associated with the
constellation. In some cosmologies, Pisces is associated with the Classical Element Water, and
thus called a Water Sign (with Cancer and Scorpio). Its polar opposite is Virgo.
In zoological taxonomy,
Pisces is the scientific name of the superclass Pisces. See also "fishes".
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