Capricorn | Constellation, Zodiac, Sign, Symbol, Dates, & Facts

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External Websites

• NSF NOIRLab - Capricornus
• Chandra X-Ray Observatory - Capricornus (The Sea Goat)
• The Planets - Capricornus Constellation � Features and Facts
• Space.com - Capricornus Constellation: Facts About the Sea Goat
• IndiaNetzone - Capricorn - Zodiac Sign
• The Nine Planets - Capricornus Constellation

Britannica Websites Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.

• Capricornus - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
• Capricornus - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

Capricorn astronomy and astrology Ask Anything Homework Help Also known as: Capricornus, the Goat Written and fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors History Britannica AI Ask Anything Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask Anything

Capricorn, in astrology, the 10th sign of the zodiac, considered as governing the period from about December 22 to about 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.

From Latin: “Goat-Horned” (Show more) Also called: Capricornus and the Goat (Show more) See all related content

In astronomy, Capricornus is a zodiacal constellation lying in the southern sky between Aquarius and Sagittarius, at about 21 hours right ascension and 20° south declination. Its stars are faint; Deneb Algedi (Arabic for “kid’s tail”) is the brightest star, with a magnitude of 2.9. Capricornus usually refers to the constellation, and Capricorn usually refers to the astrological sign.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Mindy Johnston.