The ancient Greeks termed the ecliptic's zone zdiakos kyklos, "circle of animals," or ta zdia, "the small animals," since most of the constellations through which it travels resemble animals. The constellations vary in size and shape, and the Sun passes through one constellation (Ophiuchus) that is not part of the zodiac regularly. These symbols no longer match the astrological constellations where the Sun may be found. The orbits of the Moon and the major planets are also totally contained inside the zodiac.Įach of the zodiac's 12 astrological signs is said to occupy 1/12 (or 30°) of its vast circle. In astronomy and astrology, the zodiac is a band across the skies that extends 9 degrees on either side of the ecliptic, the plane of Earth's orbit, and the Sun's apparent yearly course.
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