Term/Concept: constellation Image/Video/Audio: Image/Video/Audio Source: Sullivan, R. (2017, June 12). Constellations map. flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/47430793@N08/35249283965
Short Definition:
A constellation is a group of stars that are always seen together in the same shape, no matter where they are observed. They are mostly named after animals, mythological subjects or inanimate objects.
Detailed Definition:
The constellations seen from Earth vary by location and season. For example, the constellation Leo seen in the Northern Hemisphere in February will appear in the eastern sky and move higher. However, in the Southern Hemisphere at the same time, it will appear upside down, low in the northeastern sky, and moved westward.
The origin of the constellations dates back to prehistoric times. They were early recognized and named by various cultures, until 1922, when the International Astronomical Union approved 88 of them.
There are star systems named asterisms, which are called constellation derivatives of some kind. They are, unlike their older brother, unofficial, but are also used by astronomers to navigate the sky.
One of the most famous constellations is Ursa Major, also known as Great Bear, which includes the Big Dipper, one of the most famous asterisms (groups of stars in the sky).
Etymology:
constellation - from Latin constellacio (a set of stars)
Sample Sentence(s):
Astrology is based on western zodiac that is made of 12 constellations resembling zodiac signs.
The brightest star in the Leo constellation is called Regulus.
Translations of Terms/Concepts into Partner Languages [Multiple fields for entering the translation of the term in each partner language, additional languages can potentially be added, e.g. Russian, Chinese, Portuguese]
