constellation
Sign in to saveA constellation is an area on the celestial sphere in which a group of visible stars forms a perceived pattern or outline, typically representing an animal, mythological subject, or inanimate object.
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A constellation is a group of stars that form a recognizable pattern or shape in the night sky, often representing an animal, mythological character, or object. Constellations have been used throughout history to help people navigate, tell stories, and organize their understanding of the stars above them.
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Article
23 sectionsContents
- Terminology
- Observation
- Northern hemisphere
- Southern hemisphere
- History of the early constellations
- Lascaux Caves, southern France
- Mesopotamia
- Ancient Near East
- Classical antiquity
- Ancient China
- Early modern astronomy
- Origin of the southern constellations
- 88 modern constellations
- Symbols
- Dark cloud constellations
- List of dark cloud constellations
- See also
- References
- Further reading
- Mythology, lore, history, and archaeoastronomy
- Atlases and celestial maps
- Catalogs
- External links
A constellation is an area on the celestial sphere in which a group of visible stars forms a perceived pattern or outline, typically representing an animal, mythological subject, or inanimate object.
The first constellations were likely defined in prehistory. People used them to relate stories of their beliefs, experiences, creation, and mythology. Different cultures and countries invented their own constellations, some of which lasted into the early 20th century before today's constellations were internationally recognized. The recognition of constellations has changed significantly over time. Many changed in size or shape. Some became popular, only to drop into obscurity. Some were limited to a single culture or nation. Naming constellations also helped astronomers and navigators identify stars more easily.