8Major Constellation Names

88 Major Constellation Official Names and Meanings

In contemporary astrology, there are 88 constellations that are recognized by the International Astronomical Union. 42 depict animals, 29 depict inanimate objects and 17 depict humans or mythological characters. Here’s a list of these constellations with their Latin names, English names, and meanings:...

Constellations Depicting Animals (42)

Apus – Bird of Paradise Aquila – Eagle Aries – Ram Canes Venatici – Hunting Dogs Canis Major – Great Dog Canis Minor – Lesser Dog Capricornus – Sea Goat Cetus – Whale Chamaeleon – Chameleon Columba – Dove Corvus – Crow Cygnus – Swan Delphinus – Dolphin Dorado – Dolphinfish Draco – Dragon Equuleus – Little Horse Grus – Crane Hydra – Water Snake Hydrus – Male Water Snake Lacerta – Lizard Leo – Lion Leo Minor – Lesser Lion Lepus – Hare Lupus – Wolf Lynx – Lynx Monoceros – Unicorn Musca – Fly Ophiuchus – Serpent Bearer (depicts a human but is named for the serpent) Orion – Hunter (depicts a human but is named for the hunter aspect) Pavo – Peacock Pegasus – Winged Horse Phoenix – Phoenix Pisces – Fishes Piscis Austrinus – Southern Fish Sagitta – Arrow (considered here due to its representation as an object used by animals/humans) Scorpius – Scorpion Serpens – Serpent Taurus – Bull Ursa Major – Great Bear Ursa Minor – Lesser Bear Volans – Flying Fish Vulpecula – Fox...

Constellations Depicting Inanimate Objects (29)

Antlia – Air Pump Ara – Altar Auriga – Charioteer (depicts a human but is named for the chariot) Boötes – Herdsman (depicts a human but is named for the herding aspect) Caelum – Chisel Carina – Keel Circinus – Compasses Coma Berenices – Berenice’s Hair Corona Australis – Southern Crown Corona Borealis – Northern Crown Crater – Cup Crux – Southern Cross Fornax – Furnace Hercules – Hercules (depicts a human but is named for the hero aspect) Horologium – Clock Libra – Scales Mensa – Table Mountain Microscopium – Microscope Norma – Level Octans – Octant Pictor – Painter’s Easel Pyxis – Compass Box Reticulum – Net Sculptor – Sculptor (depicts a human but is named for the object aspect) Sextans – Sextant Telescopium – Telescope Triangulum – Triangle Triangulum Australe – Southern Triangle Vela – Sails...

Constellations Depicting Humans or Mythological Characters (17)

Andromeda – Princess of Ethiopia Aquarius – Water Bearer Cancer – Crab (associated with the myth of Hercules) Cassiopeia – Queen of Ethiopia Cepheus – King of Ethiopia Gemini – Twins Hercules – Hercules Indus – Indian Leo – Lion (associated with the myth of Hercules) Orion – Hunter Perseus – Perseus Sagittarius – Archer Scorpius – Scorpion (associated with the myth of Orion) Taurus – Bull (associated with several myths, including that of Europa) Virgo – Virgin Ophiuchus – Serpent Bearer Lyra – Lyre (associated with the myth of Orpheus)...

What is Constellation?

A constellation is a group of stars that forms an imaginary outline or pattern in the night sky, typically representing an animal, mythological person or creature, object, or character. Historically, constellations have been used for navigation, to track the seasons, and as part of cultural lore and mythology across different civilizations around the world....

Orion Constellation

The Orion constellation is one of the most prominent and recognizable constellations in the night sky, visible around the world and known since ancient times. It is named after Orion, a hunter in Greek mythology, and is best known for its distinctive belt of three stars in a straight line....

What are 88 prominent groups of stars in the sky called?

The 88 prominent groups of stars in the sky are called Constellations. These constellations are recognized and named by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and cover the entire night sky, serving as a way to divide the sky into distinct regions for identification and navigation purposes. Each constellation is associated with a particular pattern of stars and often has stories or mythologies tied to it, originating from various cultures around the world....

Conclusion

In conclusion, the night sky is a vast canvas painted with 88 major constellations, each with its own unique history, mythology, and astronomical significance. From the zodiac constellations that chart our astrological fates to the far-flung clusters that guide navigators and inspire astronomers, these celestial formations have fascinated humanity across cultures and millennia. As we continue to explore the cosmos, both through advanced telescopes and the naked eye, the constellations serve as a timeless map to the universe’s wonders. Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or simply admire the beauty of the night sky, the knowledge of these constellations adds depth to our understanding of the cosmos and our place within it....

88 Major Constellation Names – FAQs

Who named the 88 constellations?...