Cassiopeia – The Vain Queen

Cassiopeia is one of the 88 constellations within the celestial sphere.

Cassiopeia is one of the 17 constellations that represents a mythological character.

Symbolism: Cassiopeia is also known as ‘The Vain Queen’ 

History & Mythology

Cassiopeia is a constellation in the northern sky, and is easily recognizable due to its shape of its 5 main stars, that form a W. In Greek mythology, Cassiopeia was a vain queen, the wife of king Cepheus. The myth goes that Cassiopeia & Cepheus attempted sacrifice their daughter Andromeda to god of the sea Poseidon to rid themselves of the curse of the monster bestowed onto them by Poseidon.  The hero Perseus however saved Andromeda.

Key Data

Bordering Constellations: Cassiopeia is bordered by constellations Perseus, Andromeda, Lacerta, Cepheus & Camelopardalis.

Sky Chart #: 1.

Star Raking: 25th largest constellation in the celestial sphere. 

Main Stars: Cassiopeia consists of 5 main stars.

Brightest Star: Alpha Cassiopeiae.

Kids Fun Facts Corner

# 1. Cassiopeia has 14 stars with planets.

# 2. Tycho’s Star supernova was visible in Cassiopeia from Earth in 1572.   

# 3. Alpha Cassiopeiae is the brightest star in Cassiopeia.

Q&A Corner

Q. What is Cassiopeia also known as?

Q. How many main stars does Cassiopeia have?

Q. What are the brightest star in Cassiopeia ?

Q. How many stars have planets in Cassiopeia?

Q. What number star ranking is Cassiopeia in the celestial sphere?

Download questions about the Cassiopeia Constellation here: Cassiopeia (answers are on this page)

Teachers. For more in depth work sheets on constellations. Click on Kidskonnect Worksheets  

For further reading and more information on the Cassiopeia Constellation visit www.kids.kiddle.com/Cassiopeia