Raunchy stories behind constellations revealed

London, Apr 13 (ANI): The organisers of Europe's largest science event will reveal saucy stories behind the naming of constellations in an adults-only lecture.

Royal Observatory staff will deliver a lecture entitled 'X-Rated Stories In The Stars' as part of the Edinburgh International Science Festival (EISF).

Already a sell-out, the strictly 18-plus event will narrate the salacious reality behind the naming of constellations.

"When we do the kids' talks we tell them versions of the Greek myths relating to the constellations," the Scotsman quoted education officer Tania Johnston as saying.

She added: "However, the real stories are far too raunchy and gory for young audiences. We thought it would be fun to do an adults-only lecture.

Most people are vaguely familiar with the myths from childhood, but have no idea about the torrid affairs and sordid behaviour that surround them."

The talk will detail how Ursa Major or the Great Bear came from one of Zeus's lovers, Callisto, turned into ursine form after their affair.

The lecture will also delve into the lurid tale behind Orion.

"Orion is one of the constellations that people recognise the most, but they more than likely won't be aware of the background," Johnston said.

"In one version of the story a lady, Artemis, fell in with Orion and her brother Apollo grew jealous because there was a little bit of a strange brother and sister relationship going on there. He basically ended up getting Artemis to kill Orion without her knowing.

"Apollo persuaded Orion to swim out as far into the lake as he could and persuaded his sister to aim for the black dot in the distance with her bow and arrow - Orion, of course," Johnston added.

In addition, the talk will focus on the graphic violence, which is central to many of the legends.

One has to pay 8 pounds-a-head for the lecture, including a glass of wine, at the City Art Centre on April 16. (ANI)