Summary

Constellations are patterns of stars that have been identified and named by various cultures throughout history. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) officially recognizes 88 constellations which serve as standardized reference points for astronomers and stargazers worldwide, facilitating navigation and identification of celestial objects across the night sky. These constellations, characterized by unique arrangements of stars inspired by mythological, historical, and cultural references, are distributed across both hemispheres of the celestial sphere, each with distinct boundaries delineated based on celestial coordinates. From iconic figures like Orion and Ursa Major to lesser-known patterns such as Pavo and Mensa, the IAU constellations not only aid scientific exploration but also reflect humanity's enduring fascination with the cosmos, providing a rich tapestry of imagination and exploration in our quest to understand the universe.

Expand All
Entries
Topic Review
Pictor
Pictor, a relatively faint constellation in the southern celestial hemisphere, is named after the easel used by artists to hold their canvases. It is located between the star Canopus and the Large Magellanic Cloud.
  • 65
  • 15 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Phoenix
Phoenix, a constellation in the southern celestial hemisphere, is named after the mythical bird that cyclically regenerates or is reborn from its own ashes. The constellations Phoenix, Grus, Pavo and Tucana, are known as the Southern Birds.
  • 62
  • 15 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Perseus
Perseus, a prominent constellation in the northern celestial hemisphere, is named after the legendary Greek hero known for slaying the monstrous Gorgon Medusa. Located near the celestial equator, Perseus is recognizable for its distinctive "W" shape formed by its brightest stars and is rich in fascinating deep-sky objects.
  • 70
  • 15 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Pavo
Pavo, Latin for "peacock," is a small but distinct constellation in the southern sky. Representing the majestic bird from ancient mythology, Pavo is notable for its compact arrangement of stars and its proximity to the south celestial pole, making it a prominent feature of the southern hemisphere's night sky.
  • 46
  • 15 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Orion
Orion, one of the most recognizable constellations in the night sky, is steeped in mythology and astronomical significance. Named after the legendary hunter from Greek mythology, Orion is adorned with bright stars, including the famous Orion's Belt, and hosts a plethora of celestial wonders, such as the Orion Nebula, making it a favorite among stargazers.
  • 98
  • 15 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Norma
Norma, Latin for "the square," is a small southern constellation located in the Milky Way. Despite its diminutive size and lack of bright stars, it remains one of the 88 modern constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
  • 57
  • 15 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Musca
Musca, Latin for "the fly," is a small constellation located in the southern celestial hemisphere. Representing a common household insect, Musca is one of the 12 constellations introduced by the Dutch astronomer Petrus Plancius in the late 16th century. 
  • 70
  • 15 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Monoceros
Monoceros, Latin for "unicorn," is a constellation located in the celestial equator. Despite lacking ancient mythological roots, it was introduced in the 17th century by the astronomer Jakob Bartsch and later included in Johann Bayer's Uranometria, symbolizing the unicorn, a creature of myth and fantasy.
  • 285
  • 15 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Microscopium
Microscopium is a small and faint constellation located in the southern celestial hemisphere. It was first introduced by the French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille during the 18th century, who named it in honor of the microscope, reflecting the era's burgeoning interest in scientific instrumentation. Despite its modest visibility, it contains several notable celestial objects, including a few galaxies and a planetary nebula.
  • 271
  • 15 Mar 2024
Topic Review
Mensa
Mensa is a faint constellation in the southern celestial hemisphere, first introduced by the French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille in the 18th century. It is named after the Table Mountain in South Africa.
  • 73
  • 15 Mar 2024
  • Page
  • of
  • 7
>>