Johann Bayer (1572-1625), Perseus. 1661

Johann Bayer (1572-1625)

Perseus

From Uranometria, omnium asterismorum continens schemata...

Published: Augsburg, 1603

Copper-plate engravings with hand-coloring

Sheet size: approx.13 5/8 x 18 5/8”

Perseus is a constellation in the northern sky, being named after the Greek mythological hero Perseus. It is one of the 48 ancient constellations listed by the 2nd-century astronomer Ptolemy, and among the 88 modern constellations defined by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

First published in Augsburg in 1603, the “Uranometria” included celestial maps that were not only highly appealing on a visual level, but also significant in the history of astronomy.

They were the first charts to identify astral magnitude (brightness) with a lettering system, using Greek characters for the brighter stars and Roman letters for the fainter. Although the Italian cartographer Alessandro Piccolomini had earlier used a somewhat similar system, it was not until Augustin Royer used the Bayer letters in 1679, followed shortly by John Flamsteed, that the system gained currency among celestial chartmakers.

Bayer’s atlas also added 12 new constellations, in the southern sky, to the 48 of Ptolemy. Bayer’s stellar lettering system -- which we still use for stars visible to the naked eye -- and his presentation of the recently discovered constellations were significant contributions to celestial cartography. Ironically, it may be that his work on the atlas had an ulterior motive.

Bayer, by profession a lawyer, was really an amateur astronomer. He dedicated his atlas to the city council and to two leading citizens of Augsburg, who rewarded him with an honorarium and, later, a seat on the council as legal adviser. In any event, these are important star charts of considerable charm from the early seventeenth century.