Mythological Evidence for Ancient Observations of Variable Stars

Volume 24 number 2 (1996)

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Stephen R. Wilk

38 Fairchild Avenue

Abstract

I suggest that the variability of Algol was known in pre-classical Greece, and that knowledge of its period is reflected in the myth of Perseus. Moreover, knowledge of the variability of Algol, Mira, delta Cephei, and gamma Cassiopeiae accounts for all their parent constellations being associated in the same myth as antagonists of Perseus. Finally, I propose alternative interpretations of the same constellations which show their influence upon classical myth.