Capricornus is a constellation often represented as a mythical creature with the head of a goat and the tail of a fish. It is also known as Capricorn, particularly in its use as a sign of the zodiac in astrology (see Capricorn ). It is a constellation of the Southern Hemisphere. Capricornus is best viewed from July through September. It is surrounded by the constellations Aquarius, Aquila, Microscopium, Piscis Austrinus, and Sagittarius. Capricornus was among the 48 constellations defined by the ancient Greek mathematician Ptolemy. Today, it is one of 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union, the leading authority in the naming of heavenly objects.
Capricornus can be drawn in several ways using a different number of stars. In many of these configurations, the stars outline a bent triangle that represents the creature’s body.
The Tropic of Capricorn is named for Capricornus. The tropic is an imaginary line that traces the southern boundary of Earth’s Tropical Zone. The constellation is found almost directly above the Tropic of Capricorn.
