About Constellations

Though man has been on the moon and telescopes have become so sophisticated that they seem to shrink the infinity of space, passion and curiosity for the universe remains piqued. And yet, to understand constellations, it is vital to not only look at what modern-day science has uncovered, but also to see the heavens the way the ancients once did.

Identification

The term "constellation" varies as it is used in public verses the way it is used in the scientific community. In everyday vernacular, a constellation can mean any grouping or cluster of stars whereas, for astronomers, the word specifically refers to the 88 constellations identified by the ancient Greeks and officiated by the International Astronomical Union.

History

While paintings in caves indicate that prehistoric humans were already mapping out nightly patterns, it was the Greeks whose musings on the cosmos reverberate today. The 88 constellations that the International Astronomical Union recognizes were established by the ancient Greeks, and 48 were logged in Claudius Ptolemy's book "The Almagest".
Most of the names given to constellations by the Greeks were tied to mythology.
For instance, the constellation Andromeda, in the northern sky, is named for the princess who was rescued by Perseus after she was chained to a rock as a sacrifice to the gods for her mother's bragging. The constellation can be identified to the story as a line drawn between the stars creates the image of a woman with arms outstretched.

Significance

In ancient times, understanding of the placement of constellations was key for sailors and travelers, as it would not only tell them where they were, but also where they were heading.
Today, studying the constellations allows scientists to section off the universe, basically forming a grid to make studying the universe that much easier.

Time Frame

Certain stars are only seen during certain times of the year. For instance, during the summer, in the Northern Hemisphere, observers can spot Hercules and Aquila while, in the winter, the constellations of Canis Major and Cetus become prominent.

Identification

For neophyte astronomers, one of the easiest constellations to identify is the Big Dipper. To find the Big Dipper, look toward the north and seek out seven bright stars that form what looks to be a ladle. Using the Big Dipper as the starting point, it becomes easier to locate other constellations such as Polaris, Cassiopeia and Cepheus.

Resources

• International Astronomical Union
• Summer Sky Resource