The Constellation - Grouping of Stars

In every culture around the world at any point in the history of man, a common scene could be witnessed; a young child standing under the arm of an adult staring where the adult points up into the night sky, observing the stars that pick out a pattern suggestive of some important symbol of concept. The constellation, or grouping of stars, is thus learned and passed down through history.

A Look at The Constellations

There are two definitions of “constellation”, both of which are very closely related to each other. The first, most common usage is a grouping of stars that convey some symbol, pattern or concept that has meaning to the observer. The second, more recent definition is one of 88 divisions of the sky as observed from Earth, as set by the International Astronomical Union, the body responsible for astronomical nomenclature.

In many cases these definitions overlap, such as the case with the Orion Constellation. This area of the sky, as defined by the IAU, contains the grouping of stars commonly known as Orion, possibly the most popular and readily observable and recognised constellation around the globe.

The 88 Constellations

The 88 divisions of sky called constellations are, in alphabetical order: Andromeda, Antlia, Apus, Aquarius, Aquila, Ara, Aries, Auriga, Boötes, 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 and Vulpecula.

While these are the official constellations of the IAU, and in many cases they represent familiar constellations as tradition has them, there are many more constellations. In many cases, however, multiple constellations will turn out to be the same constellation with different names based on culture and language. The best example of this is the constellation Orion, which is known alternatively by many different names as The Hunter, the Shepherd, and even a canoe holding three brothers.

The Stars of a Constellation

The grouping of stars in a constellation have, in most cases, no actual astronomical relationship to one another. In most cases the stars that form a link as observed from the surface of our planet are light years away from each other. For the most part, any relationship given stars in a constellation is purely esthetic. There are some exceptions, however, such as the Ursa Major Moving Group, the constellation of stars that all have the same velocity and are moving together in the same general direction.

Final Thoughts

What about the Plough, or as it is known in America, the Big Dipper? This is not an official constellation as recognised by the International Astronomical Union, but it is so commonly held as one that it is given a different classification, an “asterism.” However, whatever its name, it is recognised far and wide by eager eyes—young and old—staring up into the night sky, as it has been for centuries, serving its purpose, to inspire interest in the universe around us.

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