Constellations in the Sky

Constellations in the Sky

• There are 88 recognized constellations in the sky, as agreed upon by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 1930.
• The ancient Greeks recognized 48 constellations, which were later adopted and expanded upon by other cultures.
• The IAU established boundaries for each constellation to help astronomers identify and communicate about specific stars.

Ancient 48 Constellations

• The ancient Greeks recognized 48 constellations, including:
  • Pisces the Fishes
  • Aries the Ram
  • Taurus the Bull
  • Gemini the Twins
  • Cancer the Crab
  • Leo the Lion
  • Virgo the Maiden
  • Libra the Scales
  • Scorpius the Scorpion
  • Sagittarius the Archer
  • Capricornus the Sea Goat
  • Aquarius the Water Bearer
• These constellations are still recognized today and are used as a basis for the modern constellations.

Additional Constellations

• Over time, new constellations were added, including:
  • Johannes Hevelius (1687) - Lynx, Leo Minor, Canes Venatici, and others
  • Peter Dirk Xun Keyser and Frederik de Houtman (Dutch explorers) - Phoenix, Triangulum Australe, Pavo, and others
  • Nicolaus Louis de Lacaille (French astronomer) - Fornax, Norma, Horologium, and others
• These constellations were named after objects, animals, and mythological figures, as well as instruments and scientific tools.

Modern Constellations

• Today, there are 88 recognized constellations, covering the entire sky.
• Each constellation has a specific boundary, as established by the IAU in 1930.
• These constellations help astronomers identify and communicate about specific stars and celestial objects.

Notable Constellations

• Orion the Hunter - one of the most recognizable constellations
• Ursa Major - contains the North Star (Polaris)
• Cassiopeia - named after the queen in Greek mythology
• Crux (Southern Cross) - a prominent constellation in the southern hemisphere

Constellations in the Sky

• There are 88 recognized constellations in the sky, established by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 1930.

Ancient Origins

• The ancient Greeks recognized 48 constellations, which were later adopted and expanded upon by other cultures.
• These constellations include:
  • Pisces the Fishes
  • Aries the Ram
  • Taurus the Bull
  • Gemini the Twins
  • Cancer the Crab
  • Leo the Lion
  • Virgo the Maiden
  • Libra the Scales
  • Scorpius the Scorpion
  • Sagittarius the Archer
  • Capricornus the Sea Goat
  • Aquarius the Water Bearer

Additional Constellations

• Over time, new constellations were added by:
  • Johannes Hevelius (1687) - Lynx, Leo Minor, Canes Venatici, and others
  • Peter Dirk Xun Keyser and Frederik de Houtman (Dutch explorers) - Phoenix, Triangulum Australe, Pavo, and others
  • Nicolaus Louis de Lacaille (French astronomer) - Fornax, Norma, Horologium, and others
• These new constellations were named after objects, animals, and mythological figures, as well as instruments and scientific tools.

Modern Constellations

• Today, there are 88 recognized constellations, covering the entire sky.
• Each constellation has a specific boundary, established by the IAU in 1930.
• These constellations help astronomers identify and communicate about specific stars and celestial objects.

Notable Constellations

• Orion the Hunter - one of the most recognizable constellations.
• Ursa Major - contains the North Star (Polaris).
• Cassiopeia - named after the queen in Greek mythology.
• Crux (Southern Cross) - a prominent constellation in the southern hemisphere.