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                                                            (Pegasus's constellation in the night
sky)

Pegasus was also one of the 48 constellations that were discovered by


Ptolemy in the 2nd century. Pegasus is the 7th largest constellation in the
sky, with a total area of 1,121 square degrees. The constellation Pegasus
can best be seen in the Northern Hemisphere at the end of the summer
and into the fall. In the Southern Hemisphere, the constellation can best
be seen in late winter and through spring. Pegasus has 23 stars total. The
brightest star, Enif, forms the nose of the constellation. It is an orange
super giant that lies 672 light years away. Another notable star, is 51
Pegasi. It is the first sun-like star that humans have discovered that has a
planet orbiting around it.

In Greek mythology, Pegasus is a white, immortal winged horse. He  was


the offspring of Poseidon and Medusa. He sprung from Medusa's neck
when she was killed by Perseus. After that, he flew to Mount Helicon and
struck the ground with his hoof.
The stream of power that flowed from the
spot where his hoof hit the ground became sacred to the Muses. Later,
Pegasus was tamed by Bellerophon who rode him into battle against the
fire-breathing Khimaira (Chimera) and defeated him. After defeating the
Chimera, Bellerophon tried to fly to heaven, but when they got there, the
gods caused the Pegasus to buck, throwing Bellerophon back down to
earth. Eventually, Pegasus took a place in Zeus's stables in heaven, which
explains why he is a constellation in the night sky.

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