A constellation is a defined area of the celestial sphere containing a group of stars that form a perceived pattern or outline, often representing an animal, mythological figure, or object. These star patterns are imaginary shapes created by connecting stars in the night sky, which may appear close but are usually at varying distances from Earth
. Historically, constellations were recognized as patterns that helped ancient cultures relate stories, myths, and navigation. Today, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) officially recognizes 88 constellations, which cover the entire sky and serve as a celestial map to locate stars and other celestial objects
. While the term "constellation" originally referred to the star patterns (asterisms), it now primarily denotes the specific sky regions assigned to these patterns. The stars within a constellation are not physically related but appear grouped from our viewpoint on Earth
. In summary, a constellation is:
- A group of stars forming an imaginary pattern or shape in the sky
- Often named after animals, mythological characters, or objects
- Used historically and presently for navigation and star identification
- Officially defined as specific areas of the sky by the IAU, totaling 88 recognized constellations
