A northern constellation among the 48 listed by Ptolemy (c. AD 140). In classical mythology, Andromeda was the daughter of Queen Cassiopeia and was condemned to be sacrificed to a sea monster. The figure traditionally associated with the constellation is that of a chained woman. The three brightest stars, Alpha (Alpheratz or Sirrah), Beta (Mirach) and Gamma (Alamak) represent her head, hip and foot, respectively. Andromeda is large but not very conspicuous, known mainly for theAndromeda Galaxy.
