Constellations

space · stars · night sky

Star pictures. A constellation is a group of stars that seem to form a pattern or shape when you look up at the sky.

Animals and heroes. Many constellations are drawn to look like animals, mythical creatures, or characters from ancient stories.

Not really close. The stars in a constellation only look near each other from Earth. In space they can be wildly far apart!

Eighty-eight official. Astronomers today recognize 88 official constellations that map out the whole sky.

Sky guides. For thousands of years, sailors and travelers used constellations to find their way at night.