A Constellation is a group of stars that forms a pattern that can be recognized as an image, usually from mythology or myth.
There are 88 constellations in modern astronomy. These were expounded upon in 1919 after thousands of years of research by astronomers. There are too many to list here but below are some of the most well known constellations. Each culture has it's own constellations because the stars visible around the world differ from place to place. Searching out your culture's own constellations is a wonderful way to begin your journey into the deep history of the stars
There are 21 Northern, 15 Southern, and 12 Zodiacal constellations identified in Ptolemy's Algamest. The Algamest, a book written by an Alexandrian Astronomer, is the culmination of 30 years of research by Ptolemy circa 150 A.D. He is seemingly the father of modern Astronomy as all of the constellations gathered and described by him in the book are still in use today. He has inspired generations of Astronomers with his research and imagination.
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Ursa Minor
The little bear. A constellation of the Northern Sky can be seen as small ladle. Most well known for containing Polaris, The North Star, which is located at the end of the tail.
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Virgo
A constellation of the Zodiac. It's name is Latin for virgin. It's position in the sky lies between Leo to the West and Libra to the East. It is the second largest constellation in the sky.
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Perseus
Located in the Northern Sky. It was named after the Greek hero Perseus, of mythological origin. It is located near several other constellations named after Greek legends.
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Hercules
Named after the hero of Roman mythology, who was adapted from the Greek mythological hero, Herakles. It is the largest of the modern constellations. It is located in the Northern Sky.
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Cassiopeia
Located in the Northern Sky, it is named after the vain Queen Cassiopeia from Greek mythology, who always boasted about her beauty. It is visible all year round opposite The Big Dipper.
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Andromeda
Located in the Northern Sky and named after the daughter of Cassiopeia. She was from a Greek myth where Andromeda was chained to the rock to be eaten by the sea monster Cetus.
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Orion
Visible from everywhere in the world and located on the celestial equator. It was named after the hunter, Orion, in Greek Mythology. The earliest depiction of Orion is thought to be fashioned in a cave 32,000-38,000 years ago.
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Aquarius
Latin for cup carrier or bearer. Represented the youth Ganymede in Greek mythology. He was an extremely handsome man that was recognized by Zeus and invited to be the cupbearer of the gods.
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Aquila
Latin for Eagle. This constellation is usually held to refer to the eagle that held Zeus'/Jupiter's lightning bolts in the greek and Roman mythologies. Another common myth is that Aquila was the eagle that kidnapped Ganymede to serve as the cup bearer of the gods.
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