Eridanus – The River

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

Eridanus is one of the 29 constellations that represents an object.

Symbolism: Eridanus is also known as ‘The River’

History & Mythology

Ursa Minor has been known by many different cultures and represent many different things for these cultures throughout history. In Greek mythology, Eridanus represents the mythical river that Phaethon, the son if the god Helios, who fell into while driving his father’s Sun-chariot across the sky. One of the largest constellations, Eridanus representing the shape of a river that stretches at the start of the constellation Orion deep into the southern sky.

Key Data

Bordering Constellations: Eridanus is bordered by constellations Taurus, Cetus, Orion, Fornax, Lepus, Phoenix, Caelum, Hydrus, Tucana & Horologium.

Sky Chart #: 6.

Star Raking: 6th largest constellation in the celestial sphere. 

Main Stars: Eridanus consists of 24 main stars.

Brightest Star: Achernar.

Kids Fun Facts Corner

# 1. Eridanus has 32 stars with planets.

# 2. The star Achernar is a oddly shaped flattened fast spinning star.  

# 3.  Achernar is the brightest star in Eridanus.

Q&A Corner

Q. What is Eridanus also known as?

Q. How many main stars does Eridanus have?

Q. What is the brightest star in Eridanus?

Q. How many stars have planets in Eridanus?

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

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

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

For further reading and more info on the Eridanus Constellation visit http://www.astronomytrek.com/star-constellation-facts-eridanus/