Star lore
Constellation
Direct answer
Constellation: A Constellation is one of 88 officially defined regions covering the entire celestial sphere; in everyday speech the word can also mean the star figure associated with that region.
A Constellation is an official bounded region of the sky, often associated with a traditional star figure.
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At a glance
- Found in
- Constellations & Star Lore
- Related
- Asterism, Zodiac Constellation, Orion, Big Dipper
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The story behind Constellation
Many constellation figures are ancient, but the International Astronomical Union standardized 88 names and formal boundaries for modern astronomical use in the twentieth century.
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Where the twelve signs came from, and why they carry the names they do.
Why Constellation matters
Constellations give astronomers a shared sky geography while their figures preserve many layers of cultural storytelling and navigation.
How to read Constellation
Constellation speaks to an IAU sky region and identify the culture or historical source when discussing a figure, name, or story.
Constellation in practice: an example
A faint galaxy can be described as lying in the constellation Orion even though it is not part of Orion's familiar stick figure.
Where readings of Constellation go wrong
The usual misreading is to assume that stars in one constellation form a nearby physical group or that one culture's story is universal.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- International Astronomical Union: The Constellations - Official constellation names, abbreviations, boundaries, and distinction between regions and figures.
- NASA Space Place: What Are Constellations? - NASA introduction to constellation patterns, seasonal visibility, and the 88 official constellations.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Constellations & Star Lore
- Last updated
- 2026-09-26
Explore the 88 sky regions
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Common questions
What is a Constellation?
A Constellation is one of 88 officially defined regions covering the entire celestial sphere; in everyday speech the word can also mean the star figure associated with that region.
What do people get wrong about a Constellation?
The usual misreading is to assume that stars in one constellation form a nearby physical group or that one culture's story is universal.
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