- Capricornus
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/kap'ri kawr"neuhs/, n., gen. Capricorni /-nuy/.Capricorn (defs. 1, 2).[ < L]
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(Latin: Goat-horned),also called The Goat,in astronomy, zodiacal constellation lying between Aquarius and Sagittarius, at about 21 hours right ascension (the coordinate on the celestial sphere analogous to longitude on the Earth) and 20° south declination (angular distance south of the celestial equator). Its stars are faint.In astrology, Capricornus (also Capricorn) is the 10th sign of the zodiac, considered as governing the period c. December 22–c. January 19. One explanation of the fishtail with which the goat is often represented is found in the Greek myth of Pan, who, to avoid the monster Typhon, jumped into the water just as he was changing into animal shape. The half above water assumed the shape of a goat while the lower half, the tail, assumed the shape of a fish.* * *
Universalium. 2010.