Pisces (the fishes) is a zodiac constellations which lies between Aquarius to the west and Aries to the east.
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.
M74, an attractive but dim spiral galaxy, is found just northeast of η Piscium.
According to one version in Greek mythology, this constellation represents fish that Aphrodite and Eros transformed into 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.
Pisces ![]()
larger imageAbbreviation Psc Genitive Piscium Meaning in English the Fishes Right ascension 1 h Declination 15° Visible to latitude Between 65° and -90° On meridian 9 p.m., November 10 Area
- TotalRanked 14th
889 sq. deg.Number of stars with
apparent magnitude < 30
Brightest star
- Apparent magnitudeη Psc
3,6Meteor showers xxx Bordering constellations
Table of contents
1 Notable features
2 Notable deep-sky objects
3 Mythology
Notable features
Notable deep-sky objects
Mythology 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.
Constellations of the zodiac : Aries -- Taurus -- Gemini -- Cancer -- Leo -- Virgo -- Libra -- Scorpius -- Ophiuchus -- Sagittarius -- Capricornus -- Aquarius -- Pisces
In zoological taxonomy, Pisces is the scientific name of the Class "fishes".