Aquarius Star Map — The Perfect Gift for Those Born Under the Water Bearer
Aquarians, born between January 20 and February 18, are visionaries. Ruled by Uranus, planet of innovation and rebellion, and traditionally by Saturn, they embody originality, humanitarianism, and independence of mind. Their vast and ancient constellation evokes the water bearer pouring streams of knowledge upon humanity. Give them a star map that celebrates their unique and forward-thinking spirit.
An Aquarius sees the world differently, always ahead of their time. Give them the stars from their birth—a personalised star map that reflects their unique vision of the universe. A gift as original as the mind that will receive it.
Key Stars
Sadalsuud
Beta Aquarii, the brightest star in Aquarius (magnitude 2.87). Its Arabic name means 'the luckiest of the lucky'. For medieval Arab astronomers, its heliacal rising heralded the spring rainy season—a sign of prosperity and abundance for crops.
Sadalmelik
Alpha Aquarii (magnitude 2.94), whose Arabic name means 'the luck of the king'. Located at the right shoulder of the water bearer, it is a yellow supergiant roughly 3,000 times more luminous than our Sun, lying 520 light-years from Earth.
Skat
Delta Aquarii (magnitude 3.27), whose Arabic name means 'the shin' or 'the leg'. This star marks the knee of the water bearer. It is the radiant of the Southern Delta Aquariid meteor shower, observable every year in late July.
Mythology
In Greek mythology, Aquarius is associated with Ganymede, a young Trojan prince of extraordinary beauty. Son of King Tros, founder of Troy, Ganymede was tending his father’s flocks on the slopes of Mount Ida when Zeus spotted him from Olympus. Struck by his incomparable beauty, the king of the gods transformed into a gigantic eagle and swooped down to carry him away.
Brought to Olympus, Ganymede was granted immortality and became cupbearer to the gods, charged with serving nectar and ambrosia at divine banquets. He replaced Hebe, Hera’s daughter, in this role, which provoked the goddess’s fury. To appease King Tros, Zeus offered him divine horses and the assurance that his son enjoyed eternal life among the gods.
Zeus ultimately placed Ganymede’s image among the stars as Aquarius, the water bearer, eternally pouring celestial nectar from his jar. The eagle that had carried him away became the neighbouring constellation Aquila, the two celestial figures forever linked in the night sky.
When to observe
The Aquarius constellation is visible in the northern hemisphere from August to December, with the best viewing conditions in October and November. It is one of the largest zodiac constellations, but its stars are relatively faint. Look for it in the celestial region called 'the Sea', between Capricornus and Pisces. A truly dark sky is essential to discern the shape of the water bearer.