Wow. I just saw this exact question on my computer. I think it was yesterday. I thought it was in reference to some sci-fi-fantasy thing and skipped over it. Too bad, because I'd know the answer now.

I don't recognize the three names as star names, but I'll bet they are, given your nice hints. I'll be trying to think of beasts in the night sky.

TM

Ha TM, yes, I was lazy this week and took my question from Google a Day. My brain was pretty fired by yesterday afternoon, but it is amazing how quickly one recovers given a weekend!

I am usually pretty stubborn about not looking to a trivia site, but couldn't quite get there this week. For extra points, can you name the man, too?

Cynthia

Morning all! Going in later today - shouldn't but am. My horoscope said something about sticking to plans, but I didn't read it till I got up!! I read a great article many years ago, in Ms. magazine, and written of course, by Gloria Steinem. Among many other things, it talks about women originally being mentioned for the space program as sexual diversions during long space flights, say to Mars. We really have come a long way. lol.
But that's not where you're going with this. I agree, they must be stars. Maybe they are in a constellation whose name was used during the space program?? Guessing big time here. I think short of telling, I'm toast on this one!!

Nancy.

Mmmmm, I also think they must be stars but other than that, don't have a clue :).

Annette

Glad you are taking a little time to yourself this mornming, Nancy. I am taking it easy, too. We had the grandpup last night for longer than I expected. No worries when it is early, but as the evening wears on, I worry about letting them out-too many critters and Annabelle is a hunter that will take on anything, often to less than ideal outcomes for both her and the poor critter which becomes the newly-departed whatever. So, I try to keep them in, but it like having three you-know-whats in a you-know-what!

Yes, you are right on the stars. Now, think bigger or at least put the pieces together into a whole-or two wholes. ;)

So we're talking about two constellations, right? One is a he, and he is battling the other. Might their initials be H and D?

Cynthia, please don't feel like you should apologize for using a question you came across somewhere. Make it easy on yourself!

TM

Nothing is twigging yet :(.

Annette

No, not H or D. Some think that the images of this man as drawn on constellation maps look like descriptions of Hercules (Heracles), but since he has his own constellation elsewhere in the sky, that isn't it. The man is one of the most ancient constellations that man has recognized and is one of the few I can spot in the sky with those three shining stars.

As to the beast...would it help you to know I was born near the end of April?

Thanks, TM. I do like it better though when I just happen across something that ends up being a good question (good being relative of course-ha).

Cynthia

Ooh, I think you gave it to me there. I can usually pick this one out right away too, without hunting all over the sky.

TM

Would that be someone hunting a bull?

Annette, who is still clutching at straws.

My son and I researched Greek mythology and astronomy when he was little so I know this hunter and his prey. There is more than one version of the story in Greek mythology. I like the one that has Artemis carrying her loved one's body in her chariot and throwing it into the sky. The bull is most often cited though there is another animal associated with him hunting that frustrates our gardening. And still another creature that is a constellation in its own right.

Those three stars are known as part of his clothing and in many cultures referred to as the Three .... with the .... being various words.

Being a Leo I like the version where he is holding a lion in his hand.

Cynthia, this is a timely question as February is the best viewing of this constellation in our hemisphere.

Oh so many ideas!! I took tomorrow's question to work today, to try it out on some of my trivia loving co-workers!! They gave me a few good ideas for it. Also on this. Now, the clue from this am: I am all over the (sky) map!! My co-worker thought it might be Orion (the stars are in his belt?) fighting Urus. Now the clue you gave after I went to work takes my back to my original thought, about a space program name, since you mentioned 'two'. I am still no closer to an answer!!! lol.

Nancy - who is getting used to not getting stars!!

Oh crap - Bull.

I have sent some of you off on the the wrong path, although everyone seems to have gotten back on track. The space references were only meant to take you to the stars, so to speak.

Yes, Orion is the hunter. Looks like I didn't need to use my clue about the Pleiades which are part of the other constellation, either. Bobbie, not sure a Leo should like that-it's a lion's pelt he carries, isn't it?

You guys are good!
Cynthia

Okay, so last chance on the beast for anyone who hasn't specified yet. I'll be back once tea is made to give out stars. Perfect reward for this question!

Cynthia

OK, I'll go with Taurus, the Ford, I mean the bull.
TM

Okay, so last chance on the beast for anyone who hasn't specified yet. I'll be back once tea is made to give out stars. Perfect reward for this question!

Cynthia

**** stars for Annette, Bobbie, Nancy and TM.

You all got both Orion and Taurus. Nice job, folks! I do like being able to spot Orion in the sky thanks to his belt of three stars. Here is a link that tells you more than you ever wanted to know.

Thanks as always for playing.

Cynthia

Here is a link that might be useful: Orion and Taurus

Great question cyn - I deserve no stars. I was merely a follower, a poser!! I remember reading Greek myths in high school, but I think it was curiousity, not course-study! I think I need to read up again!

Thanks Cyn. Nancy.

....and only a couple of stars for me, I finally got the Taurus part but not Orion.

Annette

Very interesting link, Cynthia. In some versions the lion is alive near the bottom of the constellation. Either way that lion is doomed.

Thanks Bobbie. I will explore further-fun. Much prefer the idea of a live lion (or any animal) to a pelt! :)

Great question, Cynthia. At first I thought it was Hercules and the Dragon, not remembering the names of the belt stars in Orion.

Silly little very trivial Michigan item: There is a community in the Detroit area named Lake Orion, but they pronounce the second word as ORE-ee-un. Dunno why.

Thanks for the weekend fun.

TM

Hey cyn - just before I posted my answer last night, Detroit PBS had their night sky guys on - sorry,I need to pay more attention to who they are....anyway, they were talking about what is in the early Feb. night sky, and Orion of course figures prominently in this longitude. They showed the stars in the belt, and then also his sword. Very cool, again 3 bright stars but one never seems in focus, because it is actually a huge nebula many times the size of our milky way. I wish I'd taken more on this when I was younger. Thanks again for that question.

Nancy.

Well, how about that?! A nebula, huh? How cool. Thanks, Nancy.

Cynthia