The constellation of Perseus has many interesting astronomical and mythological aspects that make it unique. It is well known for its myth, but its scientific characteristics are also very interesting. Perseus, or “the hero,” has twenty-eight stars. The brightest and most recognizable are Mirfak and Algol. Mirfak is the brightest star in Perseus. It is a little brighter than Polaris, the North Star. Algol is the most famous star. In the constellation, Algol is the eye of Medusa, which means "demonic star". People thought Algol was cursed because of its constant change in brightness, but today we know that sometimes another star overlaps Algol, making it appear as if its magnitude is changing. Perseus has six stars with confirmed planets. (Coder pp. 85 and 87, Fanshawe, Perseus Constellation, Perseus Hero) Perseus, the twenty-fourth largest constellation, is depicted as a man holding a sword in one hand and the head of Medusa in the other. Ptolemy discovered the constellation in the 2nd century. Measuring 28 degrees in length, it is found in the northern hemisphere and is best visible in December around 9 p.m. It can also be seen in the Southern Hemisphere during summer from latitudes north of minus thirty-five degrees. (Coder pp. 85 and 87, Fanshawe, Perseus Astronomer, Perseus Champion, Perseus Constellation) There are two meteor showers associated with Perseus: the Perseids and the September Perseids. The Perseid meteor shower is the most impressive. It is visible in August and the constellation of Perseus is the radiant point. (Perseus Champion, Perseus Constellation, Perseus He-ro) There is actually a whole family of constellations named after Perseus and his story; it includes Andromeda, Pegasus... middle of paper ......//www.sott.net/article/222912-Perseus-Constellation-Myth-Stars-Deep-Sky-Objects-Comets>. Perseus. » Perseus. Np, and Web. February 3, 2014. .“Perseus”. Great astronomer. Np, and Web. February 12, 2014. “Perseus: the champion, the savior. » Constellations of words. Np, and Web. February 12, 2014. “Constellation of Perseus. » Guide to the constellations. NP, 2014. Web. February 6, 2014. “Perseus, the hero”. StarDate online. University of Texas McDonald Observatory, nd Web. February 12, 2014. Wilkinson, Kristin. Personal interview. February 13 2014.