# Celestial Wonders: Mythology Behind Our Solar System
Written on
Chapter 1: The Allure of Space
My daughter has developed a fascination with the cosmos, a passion that mirrors my own childhood interests. I always envisioned myself as an astronaut, though life took me in different directions. Interestingly, my daughter aspires to become a veterinarian on the moon. At just seven years old, she has time to figure out how that could be possible.
For now, we indulge in space-themed activities, primarily through reading. Recently, we discovered that Earth is unique in our solar system for not being named after a Greek or Roman deity. While this fact isn't new to me, it felt fresh through her eyes, introducing her to the concept of ancient mythology — though she might be more interested in meeting Chris Hemsworth in space!
Let’s embark on a journey through our solar system, starting with the sun.
Section 1.1: The Messenger of the Gods
Mercury, the planet closest to the sun, is known for its speed, completing an orbit in just 87 days while traveling at a staggering 112,000 mph. This rapid pace led to its naming after the Roman god Mercury, the swift-footed messenger. Originally, it was thought to be two distinct stars, earning the name Hermes during daylight hours.
Mercury, much like other ancient deities, had multiple roles. He was not only the messenger god but also associated with communication, financial gain, and even trickery. His attributes evoke thoughts of another cunning figure, Loki, though I doubt he had any connection to Mercury’s rocky, desolate surface.
Subsection 1.1.1: A Glimpse of the Speedster
Section 1.2: Venus, the Enigmatic Beauty
Venus stands out as the only goddess represented in our planetary lineup, highlighting the historical bias of mythology. Known for its brightness, Venus is often linked to love and beauty, recognized by the Babylonians as Ishtar.
Uniquely, Venus rotates in a retrograde direction, causing the sun to rise in the west and set in the east. With a day longer than a year, it presents a more significant challenge: its inhospitable environment features extreme temperatures of over 470°C, making it the hottest planet in our solar system — a beautiful sight from afar, yet hostile for life.
Chapter 2: The War God and the King of the Gods
The first video, Superbad Solace - "Heaven's Above" (Official Music Video), captures the celestial theme beautifully, resonating with the wonders of space.
Section 2.1: Mars, the God of War
If you recognize any deity associated with planets, it’s likely Mars, the Roman god of war. The planet's red hue evokes a sense of anger and aggression, linking it to its namesake. Interestingly, Mars also served as a guardian of agriculture, hinting at a dual role in shaping territories.
This planet is seen as a potential next destination for humanity, although initial conditions would be quite harsh.
Section 2.2: Jupiter, the Ruler of the Skies
Jupiter, also known as Jove, is the largest planet in our solar system and the father of Mars. With a mass 318 times that of Earth, it reigns supreme among the gas giants. While it lacks a solid surface, its immense gravity would make it an inhospitable destination for visitors, despite the allure of its Great Red Spot, a storm that has persisted for over 340 years.
Jupiter mirrors the role of Zeus in Greek mythology, representing the chief deity who ruled the heavens.
Section 2.3: Saturn's Rings and Moons
Saturn, known for its magnificent rings, is another figure of wealth and agriculture, being the father of Jupiter. It holds the record for the most moons in the solar system, with numerous discoveries over the years.
Galileo was the first to observe Saturn through a telescope, and he also identified one of its moons, Titan, named after the giants of Greek mythology. Though we haven’t found any giants there, the search for extraterrestrial life continues.
Section 2.4: The Cold God
Uranus, another Greek sky god, spins on its side and holds the record for the coldest temperatures in the solar system. Despite its name causing giggles, it shares a familial connection with Saturn and Jupiter, adding complexity to our understanding of celestial relationships.
Section 2.5: Neptune, the Sea God
Neptune, known as the god of the sea, appears blue and was once believed to be a water world. As the Roman equivalent of Poseidon, its discovery in 1846 continued the trend of mythological naming conventions. Though it’s the smallest gas giant, its distance from Earth makes it a fascinating subject of study.
Chapter 3: The Myths of Our Solar System
The second video, How to Track the ISS with Heavens-Above.com, serves as a practical guide for those interested in connecting with the cosmos.
The rich tapestry of mythology extends to the moons and other celestial bodies, with names like Io and Europa paying homage to Zeus’s stories. Pluto, once considered a planet, is named after the Roman god of the underworld and has its own set of moons named after figures from Greek lore.
Asteroids and comets also carry names inspired by ancient legends, enriching the narrative of our solar system.
Back to Earth, my daughter finds the tales of ancient civilizations intriguing, especially how they intertwine with science and modern superhero stories. She also learned that Earth derives its name from an old Germanic word meaning "ground," grounding us in the larger cosmos.