Tzab - Rattlesnake's Tail (Aztec)
Constellation: Tau & M45
Source: https://mastay.info/posts/3/calendars-of-wisdom/
Finder Chart:
Date: 4/8/21 9:09 PM Local Time
Location: Comanche Springs Astronomy Campus near Crowell, TX
Seeing: Good
Transparency: Good
Instrument Used: 8x50 Binoculars
Notes/Description: None
Sketch
Questions
1. Does the selected and sketched pattern resemble any known asterism or official constellation that we use today? If so, which one(s)?
Yes. M45.
2. Did the culture in this section have a similar mythology (e.g. dogs, hunter, boat, etc.)?
Yes. It seems this tight grouping of stars was used by many cultures.
3. If yes, describe any material differences in either the figure's star pattern as imagined by the culture, and / or the difference in the mythology.
No difference in the star pattern.
4. Is it likely that this star group, for this culture, may have been influenced by older or adjacent cultures? If so, whom?
Yes.
5. If, for this culture, this group was significant for calendar, crop, or social events, describe what was involved, and how the timing or the appearance of the group was important or useful.
For the Aztec culture, it is summertime in the southern hemisphere during the time M45 is above the horizon. It may be a reminder to beware that rattle snakes are about during this time.
