The Andromeda Constellation has 16 visible stars in the sky, and also contains the Andromeda Galaxy, which also happens to be the nearest galaxy to the Milky Way.

At one time, the Andromeda galaxy was called the Great Andromeda Nebula. Astronomers thought this patch of light was composed of glowing gases, or was perhaps a solar system in the process of formation, which they were partly correct about.



Andromeda is part of a big prominent group of constellations named after mythological figures related to the Perseus and Andromeda myth. The pronounced W-shaped Cassiopeia constellation points directly at Andromeda.

There is always a story behind each star, and each constellation, so here is the story behind Andromeda.

In ancient Greek mythology, Andromeda was a beautiful daughter of the king Cepheus and queen Cassiopeia. When her mother bragged that Andromeda was better-looking than the famously beautiful Nereid sea nymphs, the sea god Poseidon sent his pet sea monster Cetus to destroy Cepheus' kingdom. (A bit dramatic much?)

It was said, however, that sacrificing Andromeda could save the country and its people. So, the loving parents had their daughter chained to a rock by the sea, so that the sea monster could get her easily. Fortunately, the charming prince Perseus flew past on his winged horse Pegasus and fell in love with Andromeda's beauty. He killed Cetus and married Andromeda. The two lived happily ever after.