The simple answer is that – in accordance with both ancient astrological tradition and modern astronomy – the Sun technically has no constellation.
From our nearest neighbouring star (not counting the Sun) we would be in Cassiopeia. Constellations are relative to the observer. From the Alpha Centauri system (3 stars including Proxima Centauri a. k. a. Alpha Centauri C) our sun would appear as an extra star in the constellation of Cassiopeia.
The next thing we wanted the answer to was, what Constellation is the Sun in from Alpha Centauri?
One thought is that constellations are relative to the observer. From the Alpha Centauri system (3 stars including Proxima Centauri a. k. a. Alpha Centauri C) our sun would appear as an extra star in the constellation of Cassiopeia. From Barnard’s star our sun would appear as a bright extra star in the constellation of Monoceros.
What Constellation is the Sun in for September?
So, the Sun appears to move through the constellations of the zodiac, which is why you hear that the Sun is in a particular zodiac constellation in a particular month. For example, in September, the Sun is in the constellation of Virgo.
Does the Sun stay in the same constellation as the planets?
Yes, but it does not stay in the same constellation. The Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune and all the other solar system objects move across the constellations of the Zodiac: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpius, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pices and Ophiuchus.
What do constellations represent?
A constellation is an area on the celestial sphere in which a group of stars forms an imaginary outline or pattern, typically representing an animal, mythological person or creature, or an inanimate object.
When grouped with the other Zodiac constellations, which add up to twelve, they form a pattern in the sky. This pattern has been used for ages by astronomers, as it makes it easier for observers to track the movement of the solar system and the stars throughout the course of the year.
What are the zodiac constellations and where are they located?
The northern zodiac constellations – Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer and Leo – are located in the eastern celestial hemisphere, while the southern – Virgo, Libra, Scorpius, Sagittarius, Capricornus and Aquarius – are found in the west. The word zodiac comes from the Greek ζῳδιακός (zōidiakos), meaning the “circle of animals.”.
In other words, the zodiac constellations make a two-dimensional map of the sky that is very useful for orientation. It made life easier for ancient astronomers to find objects and explain their location in the sky, as well as for travelers and sailors, who use the stars to determine their position.