Spend any time under the night sky with a star map and you'll be amazed at how many animals have made their way into the heavens. Of the 88 official constellations, at least 42 represent some sort of animal — real or mythological.

Not all come from the land. In fact, many are animals whose terrestrial homes are in the depths of rivers, lakes and seas. In addition, other “watery” objects and people also appear among the stars — particularly at this time of year.

One of the largest and most prominent is the constellation Aquarius, the Water Bearer. Look for this relatively faint star grouping after dark midway up in the southern sky as darkness falls this week.

Aquarius may date back to Babylonian times. Classically, it's often depicted as a standing man, pouring liquid from a jar. Try to see that in the sky, however, and your hair will turn as white as mine. In ancient Egypt, Aquarius was known simply as “Water” and astronomers still use its hieroglyph as a symbol for the constellation.

Of course, one would expect that where there's water, there's also fish. And, sure enough, a quick glance to the east of Aquarius reveals the constellation of Pisces, the fishes — supposedly tied together with rope.

More precisely, this should be called the Northern Fishes, because there's also a constellation of the Southern Fishes — Pisces Austrinus — beneath Aquarius. And if you thought it was tough seeing Pisces as two fishes tied together with rope, get ready for some fun! Fortunately, a bright star named Fomalhaut makes finding the constellation a bit easier.

Below Pisces swims one of the largest creatures in the ocean: Cetus, the sea monster or whale. Cetus is said to be the beast that Poseidon sent to plague Cepheus when Cassiopeia claimed to rival the Nereids in beauty — placed in the heavens to commemorate his heroic deed. With some imagination, one might almost be able to make out the whale's huge body and its tail and fluke stretching toward the east.

Pay close attention to the nighttime sky throughout the year and you'll discover many more of these watery constellations: Delphinus, the dolphin, Hydra and Hydrus, the water snakes, Eridanus, the river, and many more. And all have rich histories that date back centuries, and often, millennia.

Dennis Mammana's photographic exhibition spanning 40 years, "Capturing the Cosmos: A Personal Journey," is on display through Nov. 23 at the Borrego Art Institute Gallery in Borrego Springs, Calif. To find out more about Dennis Mammana and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC.