Cynosura
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In Greek mythology, Cynosura was a nymph (an Oread) on Mount Ida, Crete. Cynosura nursed Zeus when he was being hidden from his father, Cronus. In gratitude, Zeus placed her in the heavens as the constellation Ursa Minor; Kynosoura (the Dog's Tail) because it appeared to be the tail of the adjacent star-group Canis Major. Cynosura is also another name for the constellation Ursa Minor or its brightest star, Polaris.
[edit] References
- Cynosura Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology
- Aratus. Phaen, 35; Hyginus Poet. Astr. ii. 2; Servius. ad Virgilius. Georg. i. 246 (Theoi Project)
