Asterism 61 - Sailing; Navigation
As water covers 70% of Earth, it is only natural that we use it
for transportation, travel, commerce, and food. Using the winds gave
us power over both air and water. Navigation stimulated science (geography,
time-keeping, astronomy, map-making) and migration. It was European
Navigation that finally defined the size and boundaries of Earth.
Our ships still ply the oceans, carrying cargo among the continents.
A sailor viewing the enormous, uncaring oceans gains perspective of human
life on this planet.
11 stars – 9 from Canis Major, 1 from Columbia, and 1 from Puppis.
Right Ascension = 06h58m
Declination = -29.1 degrees
Delta Canis Major, Wezen, magnitude 1.84, and Epsilon Canis Major,
Adhara, magnitude 1.50, are the heads of two mariners.
Copyright © 2004-2009, Joseph Schreiner
