Michael

Authors: Doris Vickers, Susanne M Hoffmann

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S. Michaelis constellation in Schiller, 1627 (public domain, Linda hall Library)

S. Michaelis Archangeli, the constellation of Archangel Michael, is an Early Modern, European constellation in Ursa Minor. It was introduced by Julius Schiller^?.

Julius Schiller (d. 1627) was an Augustinian monk and astronomer from Augsburg. In collaboration with Johann Bayer, he published the Coelum Stellatum Christianum, an attempt to "Christianize" the heavens. Schiller organized the heavens by placing New Testament symbols in the north and Old Testament figures in the south, while famously replacing the twelve zodiac signs with the Twelve Apostles.

Unlike Bayer’s famous Uranometria, Schiller’s work remained a historical curiosity. He depicted the stars mirror-reversed, viewing the firmament from "God’s perspective" looking down toward Earth, a style common for celestial globes but rare for printed maps. Despite its radical imagery, the atlas remained scientifically rigorous for its time. Schiller utilized Johann Bayer's data, which was largely based on the precise observations of Tycho Brahe.

Concordance, Etymology, History

Origin of Constellation

where was it mentioned, what is the earliest source ...

Spelling Variants

• Sanctus Michael Archangelus Princeps Militae (Latin Nominative)
• Sancti Michaelis Archangeli, Principis Militae (Latin Genitive )

Identifications

Depending on the season and context, the term "..." can have the following identifications:

• (a) The ... (also ..., ...)
• (b) The ... (also ..., ...)
• (c) The tail of ... (... Scorpii)

Sources, Transfer and Transformation of the Constellation

Here we give a list of all sources where the name is attested.

Source	Identification
	Pleiades
	The Hyades
	The tail of Scorpius (η, θ, ι, κ, λ, and υ Scorpii)

Religion/ Mythology

mnemonic tales and cultural significance

References

• References (general)