Constellations

Constellations are groups of stars forming a recognizable pattern that are traditionally named after its apparent form or identified with a mythological figure.

In 1922, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) recognized 88 modern constellations.

Constellation names that come from Greek mythology and figures from Greek and Roman myths are the best known. They were created and documented by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy.

Constellation names associated with figures from mythology include most of the members of the Perseus family, the Hercules family, the Orion family, the Zodiac family and the Ursa Major family. There is also the Heavenly waters constellation family from old Mesopotamia traditions.

Newer named costellations include constellations named by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille in the 18th century with names after scientific instruments and costellations of Johann Bayer family named after exotic animals.

The full costellation names list is the following

HERCULES FAMILY

Hercules, Sagitta, Aquila, Lyra, Cygnus, Vulpecula, Hydra, Sextans, Crater, Corvus, Ophiuchus, Serpens, Scutum, Centaurus, Lupus, Corona Australis, Ara, Triangulum Australe, Crux

URSA MAJOR FAMILY

Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Draco, Canes Venatici, Bootes, Coma Berenices, Corona Borealis, Camelopardalis, Lynx, Leo Minor

PERSEUS FAMILY

Cassiopeia, Cepheus, Andromeda, Perseus, Pegasus, Cetus, Auriga, Lacerta, Triangulum

ORION FAMILY

Orion, Canis Major, Canis Minor, Lepus, Monoceros

ZODIAC FAMILY

Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces

HEAVENLY WATERS FAMILY

Delphinus, Equuleus, Eridanus, Piscis Austrinus, Carina, Puppis, Vela, Pyxis, Columba

BAYER FAMILY

Hydrus, Dorado, Volans, Apus, Pavo, Grus, Phoenix, Tucana, Indus, Chamaeleon, Musca

LACAILLE FAMILY

Norma, Circinus, Telescopium, Microscopium, Sculptor, Fornax, Caelum, Horologium, Octans, Mensa, Reticulum, Pictor, Antlia