Ramus Pomifer facts for kids
Ramus Pomifer was an old constellation that is no longer officially recognized today. Its name comes from Latin and means "apple branch." This constellation was imagined as a branch held by the mythical hero Hercules in the night sky.
What Was Ramus Pomifer?
Ramus Pomifer was one of many constellations created by astronomers long ago. It was seen as a simple branch, perhaps from an apple tree. This constellation was located in the northern part of the sky. It was positioned between the well-known constellations of Hercules and Lyra.
Its Meaning and Appearance
The name "Ramus Pomifer" directly translates to "apple branch." In the sky, it was thought to be a branch held in Hercules' left hand. This image helped people connect the stars to stories and myths. Early astronomers used these figures to map the stars.
Why Did It Change?
Over time, astronomers decided to update the official list of constellations. Many older, smaller constellations like Ramus Pomifer were either removed or combined. Ramus Pomifer eventually joined with another constellation called Cerberus. Together, they formed a new constellation known as Cerberus et Ramus. This new group of stars shared many of the same stars that Ramus Pomifer once had. This change helped to simplify the maps of the night sky.
