Definition

Proper noun 1. A constellation: Eridanus is a large, faint constellation in the southern celestial hemisphere. It is depicted as a river and is one of the 48 constellations listed by the 2nd-century astronomer Ptolemy.

Usage

• As a subject: is visible from southern latitudes.
• With prepositions: The star Achernar is located .
• In possessive form: length makes it one of the longest constellations.

Examples

• winds its way from near Orion deep into the southern sky.
• Astronomers study the deep-sky objects contained within the boundaries of .
• The name is derived from a mythical river in Greek mythology.

Advanced Usage

• In mythology: In classical mythology, is often identified with the mythical river into which Phaëthon fell after failing to control the chariot of the sun.
• In scientific context: The Supervoid is a large region of space with an unusually low density of galaxies.

Variants and Related Words

• Eridanian (adjective): Pertaining to the constellation Eridanus.
  • The Eridanian star cluster is a subject of ongoing research.

Synonyms

• The River (a common poetic reference)
• (There are no direct synonyms for proper nouns like constellation names.)

Related Phrases

• The Eridanus Group: Refers to a nearby group of galaxies.
• Eridanus Stream: May refer to a stellar stream or a specific astronomical feature within the constellation.

Noun

1. a constellation in the southern hemisphere near Fornax and Cetus