Constellations
⭐ MasteredConstellations are patterns of stars people imagined as pictures. The Big Dipper, Orion and the Southern Cross help travellers find their way.
Sailors used constellations to navigate.
All about Constellations
A constellation is a group of stars that people have linked together to form a pattern or picture, such as a hunter, an animal or an object. Different cultures have created their own constellations, and many have been used for navigation and telling the seasons.
Stars in a constellation are often far apart from each other in space; we only see them as a pattern because they are in similar directions from Earth. The Big Dipper, Orion and the Southern Cross are famous examples.
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Real-life uses of Constellations
- Finding north using the Big Dipper
- Navigating by the Southern Cross in the southern hemisphere
- Learning the seasons by which constellations are visible
Frequently asked questions about Constellations
How many constellations are there?
The International Astronomical Union recognises 88 official constellations.
Is the Big Dipper a constellation?
The Big Dipper is an asterism, which is a famous pattern within the larger constellation Ursa Major.
How do I find a constellation?
Use a star-map app or a printed star chart, and look for bright stars and their patterns on a clear night.