Constellation meaning
The definition of a constellation is a group of stars that create a pattern in the sky.
noun
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) met for the first time in 1922. They picked the 88 constellations which we use today.
noun
In 1930, the IAU set the boundaries for each constellation so that any object in the sky is within one of these 88 constellations.
noun
The brightest constellation is the Southern Cross (Crux).
noun
The constellation with the most stars is the Water Snake (Hydra).
noun
Advertisement
The names of the major constellations are:
- Andromeda - Princess of Ethiopia or the Chained Lady.
- Cassiopeia - Queen of Ethiopia or Andromeda's Mother.
- Cephus - King of Ethiopia or Andromeda's Father.
- Cetus - The Sea Monster.
- Corona Borealis - The Northern Crown.
- Draco - The Dragon.
- Eridanus - The River.
- Hercules - Hercules (from mythology).
- Lyra - The Lyre.
- Perseus - The Hero.
noun
Asterisms are smaller star patterns inside a constellation. Here is a list of asterisms, the constellation where they are found, and the translation of the name:
- The Big Dipper - Ursa Major - The Greater Bear.
- The Little Dipper - Ursa Minor - The Lesser Bear.
- The Pleiades - Taurus - The Bull.
- The Northern Cross - Cygnus - The Swan.
- Orion’s Belt - Orion - The Hunter.
An example of a constellation is Ursa Major.
noun
The configuration of planets at the time of one's birth, regarded by astrologers as determining one's character or fate.
noun
A gathering or assemblage, especially of prominent persons or things.
The symposium was attended by a constellation of artists and writers.
noun
A set or configuration, as of related items, properties, ideas, or individuals.
A constellation of demands ranging from better food to improved health care; a constellation of feelings about the divorce.
noun
Advertisement
Any cluster, gathering, or collection.
noun
The grouping of celestial bodies at any particular time, esp. at a person's birth.
noun
A group of related thoughts or feelings regarded as clustered about one central idea.
noun
A group of stars seen as forming a figure or design in the sky, especially one of 88 officially recognized groups, many of which are based on mythological traditions from ancient Greek and Middle Eastern civilizations.
An area of the sky occupied by one of the 88 recognized constellations. These irregularly defined areas completely fill the celestial sphere and divide it into nonoverlapping sections used in describing the location of celestial objects.
Advertisement
(astrology) The configuration of planets at a given time (notably of birth), as used for determining a horoscope.
noun
Advertisement
A configuration or grouping.
noun
Origin of constellation
- Middle English constellacioun from Old French constellation from Late Latin cōnstēllātiō cōnstēllātiōn- Latin com- com- Latin stēlla star ster-3 in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
- From Middle English constellacioun, constillacioun, from Middle French constellation, from Latin constellātiō, from cōn (“with”) + stēlla (“star, astral body”).
From Wiktionary