What Is a Constellation

<< Constellations

<< Herong's Notes on Astrology and Horoscope

This section describes what is a star.

The word "constellation" refers two things depending on the context:

• Constellation - One of the 88 areas defined on the Celestial Sphere by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) organization.
• Constellation - A group of stars visible in the sky that forms a particular pattern.

Here is a complete list of 88 constellation areas defined by IAU: Andromeda, Antlia, Apus, Aquarius, Aquila, Ara, Aries, Auria, Bootes Caelum, Camelopardalis, Cancer, Canes, Venatici, Canis Major, Canis Minor, Capricornus, Carina, Cassiopeia, Centaurus, Cepheus, Cetus, Chamaeleon, Circinus, Columba, Coma Berenices, Corona Australis, Corona Borealis, Corvus, Crater, Crux, Cygnus, Delphinus, Dorado, Draco, Equuleus, Eridanus, Fornax, Gemini, Grus, Hercules, Horologium, Hydra, Hydrus, Indus, Lacerta, Leo, Leo Minor, Lepus, Libra, Lupus, Lynx, Lyra, Mensa, Microscopium, Monoceros, Musca, Norma, Octans, Ophiuchus, Orion, Pavo, Pegasus, Perseus, Phoenix, Pictor, Pisces, Piscis Austrinus, Puppis, Pyxis, Reticulum, Sagitta, Sagittarius, Scorpius, Sculptor, Scutum, Serpens, Sextans, Taurus, Telescopium, Triangulum, Triangulum Australe, Tucana, Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Vela Virgo, Volans, Vulpecula.

Some well known constellation patterns are located in constellation areas of the same name. ... ... a picture.

Sections in This Chapter

What Is a Constellation

Little Dipper - Ursa Minor - Smaller Bear - Constellation

The Hunter - Orion - Constellation