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Most of the constellations we recognize today were first plotted and named by the Sumerians, and then by the Greeks. These are principally found in the northern sky. Constellations in the southern sky were first mapped out by explorers and voyagers who journeyed through the oceans of the southern hemisphere. Many people would be quick to name the Big Dipper or Orion’s Belt as the most famous constellation. In fact, they aren’t constellations at all, but asterisms, patterns of stars recognized in the night sky. Some asterisms, such as Orion’s Belt, are smaller parts of larger patterns recognized as constellations. While this may seem like a small concern, a carelessness about understanding the night sky and its denizens is an unfortunate trend in our 21st century world. The 88 constellations are but a small portion of the wonders in the night sky that can be explored.
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