Explore the Wonders of Constellations in the Night Sky

Modified: June 10, 2024 Author: International Star Registry

Do you look up at the night sky and wonder about the stories of the stars? Have you thought about how these star patterns came to be? And what they show us about where we are in the big universe? Stars in the sky form special patterns that tell tales, share myths, and show beauty.

Constellations are groups of stars in a specific area of the night sky. The stars in these areas have been used for centuries by navigators and travelers as maps. There are 88 recognized constellations, each with its own history and location. These areas of the sky contain several stars that are often connected with imaginary lines. Those star formations called asterisms. They helped people in the past navigate, find their way and made dreams fly through the ages.

Picture spotting well-known shapes in the night, like the belt of Orion , the Big Dipper, the Little Dipper, or the creat square of Pegasus. Some constellations represent Zodiac signs in the sky. These shapes are not just for looking; they lead us to old tales and the vast beauty of space.

As you look at the stars, constellations invite you on a journey. In the sky, you’ll find shapes associated with myths of great warriors and magical creatures. There are tales from various cultures, told through the stars.

Let’s explore the secrets of the night sky and see what constellations can mean to us. Are you up for a cosmic adventure? Our journey through the stars begins now.

Key Takeaways:

Constellations are areas of the sky and asterisms are fascinating arrangements of stars that form distinct patterns in the night sky, serving as celestial maps that guide us through the cosmos.
With 88 recognized constellations, each with its own unique characteristics and history, exploring these stellar formations allows us to connect with ancient stories and marvel at the beauty of the night sky.
Constellations have guided ancient civilizations, serving as markers for navigation and inspiring cultural myths and legends throughout history.
By delving into the wonders of constellations, we can reconnect with the mysteries of the universe and embark on an awe-inspiring journey of exploration.

The Significance of Constellations

Constellations are very important in human history and culture. They have guided people for thousands of years. These formations fit together like a puzzle, composing the entire cosmos overhead. The shapes are like a map in the night sky, helping travelers and showing the changing seasons.

Every constellation has its own story. They have mesmerized people throughout history. For example, the Orion constellation represents the hunter and is easily located by three bright stars which create the hunter’s belt. The Zodiac shows astrological signs. Constellations always spark wonder and creativity.

Studying constellations connects us with our past. We explore myths and admire the stars. Every night, we can see the same stars our ancestors saw. These sights have inspired sailors, explorers, and dreamers for ages.²

Astronomical Groupings and Star Clusters

Constellations are more than just areas on a map. They teach us about the universe’s structure. By studying the stars and objects within them, we learn about stars’ life cycles and galaxies.

They include star clusters, Galaxies, Nebulae, Black Holes, and so much more. Annual meteor showers can be anticipated and then located by looking toward these specific areas of the sky. The asterisms within these constellations have been an important part of story telling and navigation for centuries. Stars within these clusters form beautiful patterns. Scientists study these to learn about how stars are born and their group behavior.

Whether you know a lot or a little, exploring constellations is exciting. It shows us the vast and stunning universe above us.

Orion Constellation

The Orion constellation is famous in the winter sky. It has a three-star belt. In Greek tales, Orion was a strong hunter with a shield and club. It includes stars like Betelgeuse and Rigel. These mark Orion’s shoulder and left foot.

Looking at Orion, you see true beauty. It helps find other constellations at night. Alnitak, on the left belt side, is actually made of 3 stars and is about 1,260 light-years away. Alnilam, in the belt center, is a supergiant located about 2,000 light-years away. Mintaka, on the right of the belt, is binary star system and is about 1,200 light years from us.

Betelgeuse is Orion’s shoulder star and is an M-type Super Giant. It varies in brightness as it approaches a supernova explosion that is expected to be bright enough to be visible by day.

Under Orion’s belt is the Orion Nebula, where stars form. It is mapped as the middle star in the sword of Orion and has a magnitude of about 4. This nebula is the closest big star-birth place to Earth. It’s amazing and might have a black hole, which would be the nearest to our planet³.

Ursa Major and Ursa Minor Constellations

The Ursa Major and Ursa Minor constellations are famous. They are also known as the Big Dipper and Little Dipper.

Ursa Major translates to the Great Bear, but it has also been many other names over the centuries. It is big in the sky, covering over 1279.66 square degrees. This makes it the third largest constellation. It has a special asterism of stars called the Big Dipper. The handle part looks like the bear’s tail. The Big Dipper can show you which way is north. It does this by pointing to the North Star, Polaris. Ursa Major lies in a dark part of the sky where there are not a large number of stars. The dipper is easily located in a fairly empty sky. Bright stars include Dubhe, the second brightest. It also has Merak and Phecda, which are not as bright but still stand out.

Ursa Minor means the small bear and is also associated with its asterism, the Little Dipper. At hte tip of the handle is Polaris, also called the North Star, which is key for finding your way. Polaris is very close to the North Celestial Pole. It helps people travel using the stars at night. Many different cultures have stories about these constellations. One myth is about Zeus and a bear named Callisto, who turned into Ursa Major. Her son became Ursa Minor. Stories like the Iroquois tale of the Great Bear have been shared for generations.

Stargazers have loved looking at Ursa Major and Ursa Minor for thousands of years. They bring a magical feeling and remind us of ancient stories. Seeing these two in the night sky is amazing.

The Zodiac Constellations

Astrology and celestial study have long been part of our lives. Many people enjoy the fun of checking to see how their daily horoscope might affect their life. The Zodiac’s 12 constellations are key. They show the Sun’s path in the sky over a year, and the constellations the sun passes through are the 12 zodiac sun signs.

For those that follow their horoscope, each of the 12 Zodiac signs, like Aries and Virgo, is thought to have its own traits. For example, Aries people are said to be brave and active. And Virgos are practical and like to keep things neat.

Exploring the Zodiac Constellations

The Zodiac signs, from Aries to Pisces, have always caught our eye. Looking at the night sky, we can see these signs come alive. It makes us think about how the stars might affect us.

Let’s dive into the personilty types associated with each of the 12 Zodiac signs and what makes them special:

Zodiac Constellation	Description
Aries	Aries people are bold and ready for action. They are like a Ram, charging ahead without fear.
Taurus	Taurus folks stand strong like a Bull. They are loyal and very practical in everything they do.
Gemini	Gemini is all about being social and smart. These folks, the Twins, love to learn and talk to others.
Cancer	Cancer is the Crab, known for being caring and sensing others’ feelings. They are very warmhearted.
Leo	The Lion stand for those who lead with heart. Leos are loved for their charm and love of drama.
Virgo	Virgo, the Virgin, is all about detail and truth. They are very good at solving problems and organizing.
Libra	Libra, the Scales, seek fairness and peace. They are diplomatic and always see the beauty in life.
Scorpius	Scorpio is passionate like a Scorpion. They are strong and true friends, willing to fight through anything.
Sagittarius	Sagittarius is free as the Archer, always seeking new adventures. They bring joy and hope wherever they go.
Capricornus	Capricorn is the Goat of hard work and patience. They climb high and reach their goals, no matter what.
Aquarius	Aquarius, the Water Bearer, brings new ideas and a love for all people. They are the big heart and mind of the Zodiac.
Pisces	Pisces, the Fish, are deeply kind and creative. They sense other’s feelings and dream beautiful dreams.

The Zodiac signs offer tons of info and fun stories. Whether you believe in astrology or just find it cool, exploring these signs is an adventure into space.

Southern Hemisphere Constellations

We can see many constellations in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. But, some we see only from the south. For example, there’s Crux, or the Southern Cross, and Centaurus.

The Southern Cross is a small but easy-to-see constellation. It looks like a cross with five stars. It’s important for southern people, guiding them and marking other stars. You can see it best between March and September.

Centaurus is known for the Greek myth mythological Centaur. It’s a large constellation. It has many bright stars. One, Alpha Centauri is actually a group of 3 stars. Rigil Kentaurus, Toliman, and Proxima Centauri. One of these, Proxima Centauri is the closest star to us other than our own sun. It is situated just 4.24 light-years away.

The Jewel Box Cluster and Other Southern Delights

Besides those, the Jewel Box cluster near the Southern Cross shines brightly. It is a southern star cluster named for its sparkling appearance in the sky. With binoculars or a telescope, you may it as a sparkling box of jewels.

There’s also the mysterious Coalsack Dark Nebula to look for in the constellation Crux. This dark Nebula appears to block the light of stars that may be behind it. And, Canopus, located in the constellation Carina, is the night sky’s second brightest star. Don’t forget the Large Magellanic in Dorada and Mensa, and the Small Magellanic Cloud in Tucana and Hydrus. These neighboring dwarf galaxies orbit our own Milky Way and are visible with the naked eye.

Seeing these constellations and objects is always special. It’s like getting a personal night sky show. Whether it’s the Southern Cross, Centaurus, or the bright Canopus, the southern sky is full of wonders.

Constellation	Characteristics
Crux (Southern Cross)	A compact and distinct constellation consisting of five stars forming a cross shape. It serves as a prominent navigational tool and cultural symbol in the Southern Hemisphere.
Centaurus	An extensive constellation featuring bright stars and associated with the centaur from Greek mythology. It includes notable stars such as Alpha Centauri and Proxima Centauri.
Jewel Box Cluster	A dazzling cluster of stars near the Southern Cross, resembling a jewelry box. Best viewed with binoculars or a small telescope, it showcases the captivating beauty of stellar clusters.
Coalsack Dark Nebula	A dark cloud of gas and dust that obscures stars behind it. Visible during the months of March to September, it adds an air of mystery to the southern hemisphere skies.
Canopus	The second brightest star in the night sky, visible from the Southern Hemisphere between October and May. It adds a radiant sparkle to the celestial panorama.
Large and Small Magellanic Clouds	Neighboring galaxies to the Milky Way, providing a captivating sight from the Southern Hemisphere skies. They are best observed between October and February.

Stargazing Tips and Activities

Stargazing activities can make your night more enjoyable. You can see the beauty of the stars and night sky. It doesn’t matter if you use your eyes or binoculars, the options are endless.

1. Explore the Stars

Look at the stars and watch them move from night to night. This helps you learn the stars’ positions and see their patterns. It’s fun to know the Greek stories behind these stars. These tales connect us to ancient people and their view of the sky.

2. Count and Sketch

Try counting stars in a constellation you see. It’s a fun game and makes you sharper at observing. Sketched out, these stars’ patterns become even more visible.

3. Tracking Planetary Movement

Watch the planets as they move among the stars. They appear bright but do not twinkle. This makes for an interesting sight in the night sky. The best days to view planets are around the new moon. During this time, the sky is darkest without the moon’s glare.

4. Utilize Star Charts

Use star charts to find constellations. These maps show where stars are at different times. They make it easy to spot the heavenly shapes above. Star charts can guide your stargazing trips. The map the sky with “Right Ascension” and “Declination” which work like Latitude and Longitude.

Stargazing can open your eyes to the universe’s wonders. It sparks curiosity and grows your love for the cosmos. Start your journey of discovery just by looking up at the night sky. Let the stars and stories inspire you.

Connecting Kids to the Universe

Naming a star for a child is a great way to give kids a sense of their unique importance in the universe. It’s also a wonderful way to introduce them to the fascinating world of astronomy. When a child has a star named through International Star Registry, they receive the constellation and the telescopic coordinates of the star, giving them a real reason to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of the celestial objects in the night sky over all of us.

Keep up on all the astronomical happenings through the year. Kids can observe the changes in planetary positions and movement of the constellations. There are regular meteor showers that return to the sky each year, and super moons that give them a great chance to see the moon’s surface in greater detail. As seasons change, they may see their own constellation come in and out of view.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Teaching young people about stars and constellations sparks their interest in science and the night sky. We do this using books, fun activities, and special programs. This helps create future scientists and sky watchers.

Stargazing can be a family adventure. It involves looking at the stars as a group and asking questions. This experience makes kids wonder more about space and want to learn. Plus, it’s a fun way to spend time with family that leads to a life-long love of stars.

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) and LEGO Group work together to make learning about stars fun. They created Funstellations to let children make their own constellations. Kids can show off their designs online and get a special certificate. This hands-on activity makes learning about stars exciting for kids.

Some children nowadays are not interested in learning about stars. A survey by The Big Bang Fair found that many kids have never searched for star patterns in the sky. This tells us we need better ways to get kids excited about space. Also, almost a third said they wouldn’t recognize a well-known star group, showing there is a gap in knowledge.

To make stars more fun for kids, the University of Birmingham made new star patterns. These include shapes like Harry Potter’s glasses and Serena Williams’ tennis racket. They are meant to be seen in the sky at certain times, making stargazing more fun for children.

Learning about stars teaches more than just space facts. It also helps with thinking, solving problems, and looking at the world in different ways. By getting kids interested in stars when they’re young, we hope to inspire future scientists who will discover more about space for all mankind.

We aim to make kids curious about science and stars by showing them the beauty of the night sky. This makes them want to explore space more and keeps their interest in the wonders of the universe alive.

Celestial Events and Phenomena

Constellations show beautiful patterns at night. But, there are more amazing things to see in the sky. Comets, eclipses, and meteor showers make for stunning sights in space. Knowing about these events helps you plan fun stargazing trips. You can watch incredible space shows with your own eyes.

The Quadrantids Meteor Shower is a great show in January. It can have up to 40 meteors each hour. Look for them near the Bootes constellation. On April 8, 2024 there was a Total Solar Eclipse. It’s a rare sight from the U.S., where the Moon covers the Sun. This makes a shadow on Earth for a little while. April’s Lyrids Meteor Shower has about 20 meteors every hour. They are remnants of the Comet Thatcher which burn when they pass throught he earth’s atmosphere. It’s really a stunning event. In May, the Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower shows up each year. Do you know Comet Halley? The debris from this comet appears to originate from the area of Aquarius and creates up to 60 meteors an hour. Events throughout the year include changes in planetary positions, and Lunar eclipses during a full moon. A lunar eclipse is caused when the shadow of the Earth blocks or obscurs parts of the moon. An eclipse can make the moon appear red, or block the moon completely. These special events makes the night sky even more special. The June Solstice on June 20 starts summer in 2024 and occurs on the 20th or 21st each year. In Northern Hemisphere this is the longest day of the year. Enjoy the sun and sky on this special day. The June eclipse occurs when the Sun reaches it’s northern-most pont in the sky.

In December, the Sun is in the southern-most position for the Winter Solstice. On this day there are areas close to the North Pole that do not see any sun. For everywhere else north of the equator this is the shortest day of the year. In the Southern Hemisphere, it is the longest day of the year!

These space events offer lots of fun and joy. With your telescope or binoculars, you can see comets, eclipses, and planets up close. So get ready to explore the sky. The wonders of space are waiting for you under the stars.

The Educational Value of Astronomy

Astronomy is more than stars; it’s a bridge to other sciences. It makes students curious and excited. It helps them learn about physics, chemistry, and math. Teaching astronomy offers a big picture of the universe. It boosts thinking and problem-solving skills too. This mix makes future scientists able to solve complex problems.

Gateway Science and Interdisciplinary Learning

Astronomy grabs student interest and pushes them to learn more. Through stars and planets, they learn key physics ideas like gravity. They also dip their toes into chemistry by looking at what stars are made of. Math is crucial for figuring out how far, big, and what things in space are. All these together shape a student’s mind to think critically and solve problems well.

Practical Applications and Career Opportunities

Studying astronomy isn’t just about stars. It teaches skills for real jobs. Skills like critical thinking, looking at data, and working with computers are super useful. Graduates can be researchers, teachers, or work in science communication.

Jobs in astronomy go beyond just staring at the sky. There are roles in many places like observatories, research labs, and museums. With the field growing, there are many chances for astronomy lovers to find their dream job.

World-Class Facilities and Research Opportunities

Big schools and research sites have top-notch tools for space research. At the University of Illinois, for instance, students can join in on real projects. They work with teachers and sometimes even lead their own studies. This gives them real-world experience and chances to contribute to science.

In college classrooms, students get to dive into big sets of modern data. They learn to use computer programs and understand statistics better. This helps students become ready for their future careers in science.

Statistical Data	Reference
Astronomy is listed in the top 10 college degrees for starting salaries.	¹⁴
Many students with a degree in astronomy pursue careers as researchers or educators.	¹⁴
Potential fields for astronomy graduates include national observatories, research centers, private industry, museums, planetariums, journalism, and public relations.	¹⁴
Astronomy majors gain a solid foundation in mathematics and physics with experience in computer programming and statistics.	¹⁴
The University of Illinois offers access to world-class facilities for observational astronomy, theoretical astrophysics, astronomical imaging, and cosmology.	¹⁴
Illinois students engage in hands-on experience with real data through the use of vast modern datasets in the classroom.	¹⁴
Research projects outside the classroom at Illinois provide multiple options for students to engage with.	¹⁴
Advanced students at the University of Illinois participate in research projects with astronomy faculty during summers and/or fall/spring semesters.	¹⁴

The Beauty of the Night Sky

The night sky is like a painting full of wonder. It shows stars, planets, and more, calling us to look up. In this way, we feel a deep connection with the universe.

We love the patterns the asterisms of the stars make. Constellations like Orion and the Big Dipper have captured our imagination for ages.

Constellations: Celestial Artwork in the Cosmos

There are 88 constellations that are officially recognized. Each one occupies an area of the sky and holds its own special history. The sky is truly a museum of heavenly art.

Every star we see has sent its light across space for billions of years. This makes us feel like we’re looking back in time. It’s amazing to consider how vast and old the universe is.

Because Earth turns and also revolves around the sun, the stars seem to move in our sky. This motion is a dance of the cosmos, echoing our planet’s own rhythm.

We look to the stars to learn about our origins. Scientists study ancient light to understand how the universe began.

Many cultures have their own star stories. For instance, the Greeks saw heroes and creatures in the sky. This adds rich meaning to our view of the stars.

Wherever we are, we can find beauty in the night sky. As we approach darker areas, away from lights, the stars become easier to see.

The IAU regognizes 888 constellations. They fit together in the sky above us like puzzle pieces. Every area of the sky is in a constellation even if it is not in the associated asterism (shape drawn by connecting the stars). Stars are often light years away, making our view like a trip through time. The earth’s spin makes stars seem to move, like a grand cosmic dance. The Greeks named constellations after mythic beings they saw in stars. Later astronomers added more constellations.

Looking up, we marvel at the cosmos. This fills us with wonder and respect. The night sky reminds us of our role in the vast universe.

Accessible Stargazing for All

Stargazing is loved by many, no matter age or ability. You can gaze at the sky, take photos, or use special tools. We should make sure everyone can enjoy this. It’s about sharing different ways to enjoy the stars with all.

We help people connect with the universe when stargazing is for all. This means anyone can look at stars and learn about them. Stargazing can be fun and interesting for everyone, no matter what.

Location	Description
Appalachian Mountain Club Maine Woods	The only International Dark Sky Park in New England, providing a pristine stargazing experience in the Northeast U.S.
Cherry Springs State Park	Considered one of the best places to stargaze on the Eastern Seaboard, offering breathtaking views of the night sky.
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park	Florida’s first Dark Sky Park, providing an accessible stargazing experience for visitors in the Sunshine State.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park	Secluded from major cities, this park attracts stargazers due to its elevation and pristine night sky.
Grand Canyon National Park	Offers 24/7 access for stargazing and photography, allowing visitors to witness the beauty of the night sky against the backdrop of stunning landscapes.
Yellowstone National Park	Provides a unique stargazing experience next to iconic geysers, combining the wonders of the night sky with the park’s natural attractions.
Palomar Observatory	Hosts events and programs for stargazing enthusiasts, offering a chance to observe celestial objects using advanced telescopes.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park	Offers stargazing opportunities during the Dakota Nights Astronomy Festival, where experts and enthusiasts come together to explore the cosmos.
Buffalo National River	An International Dark Sky Park where stargazing can be combined with outdoor activities, providing a unique experience for nature lovers.
Mauna Kea	Home to the world’s largest astronomical observatory, this Hawaiian location offers stargazing tours and breathtaking views of the night sky.
Denali National Park	An Alaskan wilderness that serves as a prime location for stargazing, offering unparalleled opportunities to witness the wonders of the universe.

Many places welcome us to see the stars. It’s key to ensure everyone can join in. Making stargazing open to all helps us value the night’s beauty more. Let’s make it a wonderful and open activity for everyone, no exceptions.

Embrace the Wonder of Constellations

Exploring constellations takes us into the night sky’s wonders. It opens up a world of magic and endless interest. We connect with ancient tales and marvel at the universe’s beauty by looking at the stars. This happens through activities like stargazing or learning about myths.

Each constellation is like a unique story in the sky. Orion is known for its 3 bright stars, while the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper form part of these stories. The Zodiac signs are fun to follow and are associated with the date of our birth. By looking at the stars, we begin a journey that fills us with wonder and curiosity.

Looking at the stars, we feel there’s so much more out there. The night sky’s beauty makes us amazed at the universe. It helps us see our part in this vast creation. So, dive into these constellations and start a journey of discovery under the stars.

A “constellation” is a group of stars that are located in specific area of the sky. They share borders, much like counties on a map or parts of a puzzle. Notably, many constellations have been recognized by ancient civilizations for centuries. These celestial collages are also associated with great tales about humans, gods, and mythical creatures. Modern astronomy recognizes 88 constellations. While the stars of these groups appear to be close together, the individual stars of a constellation may be great distances apart and moving in different directions from one another. As the Earth circles the sun, different constellations become visible to us.

CONSTELLATION	SYMBOL	DESCRIPTION	WHERE	BEST VISIBLE
Andromeda	AND	Princess	Northern	October
Antlia	ANT	Pump	Southern	March
Apus	APU	Bird of Paradise	South Polar	May
Aquarius	AQR	Water Bearer	Equatorial	September
Aquila	AQL	Eagle	Equatorial	July
Ara	ARA	Altar	Southern	June
Aries	ARI	Ram	Equatorial	November
Auriga	AUR	Charioteer	Northern	January
Bootes	BOO	Herdsman	Northern	May
Caelum	CAE	Chisel	Southern	December
Camelopardalis	CAM	Giraffe	North Polar	February
Cancer	CNC	Crab	Equatorial	February
Canes Venatici	CNV	Hunting Dogs	Northern	April
Canis Major	CMA	Large Dog	Equatorial	January
Canis Minor	CMI	Small Dog	Equatorial	January
Capricornus	CAP	Sea Goat	Equatorial	August
Carina	CAR	Keel	South Polar	February
Cassiopeia	CAS	Queen	North Polar	October
Centaurus	CEN	Centaur	Southern	April
Cepheus	CEP	King	North Polar	October
Cetus	CET	Whale	Equatorial	October
Chamaeleon	CHA	Chameleon	South Polar	March
Circinus	CIR	Compasses	South Polar	May
Columba	COL	Dove	Southern	December
Coma Berenices	COM	Berenice’s Hair	Equatorial	April
Corona Australis	CRA	Southern Crown	Southern	July
Corona Borealis	CRB	Northern Crown	Northern	May
Corvus	CRV	Crow	Equatorial	April
Crater	CRT	Cup	Equatorial	March
Crux	CRU	Southern Cross	South Polar	April
Cygnus	CYG	Swan	Northern	August
Delphinus	DEL	Dolphin	Equatorial	August
Dorado	DOR	Goldfish	Southern	December
Draco	DRA	Dragon	North Polar	May
Equuleus	EQU	Colt	Equatorial	August
Eridanus	ERI	River	Southern	November
Fornax	FOR	Furnace	Southern	November
Gemini	GEM	Twins	Equatorial	January
Grus	GRU	Crane	Southern	September
Hercules	HER	Champion	Northern	June
Horologium	HOR	Pendulum	Southern	November
Hydra	HYA	Sea Serpent	Equatorial	March
Hydrus	HYS	Serpent	South Polar	November
Indus	IND	Indian	Southern	August
Lacerta	LAC	Lizard	Northern	September
Leo	LEO	Lion	Equatorial	March
Leo Minor	LMI	Little Lion	Northern	March
Lepus	LEP	Rabbit	Equatorial	December
Libra	LIB	Scales	Equatorial	May
Lupus	LUP	Wolf	Southern	May
Lynx	LYN	Cat	Northern	January
Lyra	LYR	Harp	Northern	July
Mensa	MEN	Table mountain	South Polar	December
Microscopium	MIC	Microscope	Southern	August
Monoceros	MON	Unicorn	Equatorial	January
Musca	MUS	Fly	South Polar	April
Norma	NOR	Carpenter’s Square	Southern	May
Octans	OCT	Octant	South Polar	March
Ophiuchus	OPH	Serpent Bearer	Equatorial	June
Orion	ORI	Hunter	Equatorial	December
Pavo	PAV	Peacock	South Polar	July
Pegasus	PEG	Winged Horse	Equatorial	October
Perseus	PER	Hero	Northern	November
Phoenix	PHO	Fire Bird	Southern	October
Pictor	PIC	Painter’s Easel	Southern	December
Pisces	PSC	Fishes	Equatorial	October
Piscis Austrinus	PSA	Southern Fish	Southern	September
Puppis	PUP	Stern of Ship	Southern	January
Pyxis	PYX	Ship’s Compass	Southern	February
Reticulum	RET	Net	Southern	November
Sagitta	SGE	Arrow	Equatorial	July
Sagittarius	SGR	Archer	Southern	July
Scorpius	SCO	Scorpion	Southern	June
Sculptor	SCL	Sculptor’s Tool	Southern	October
Scutum	SCT	Shield	Equatorial	July
Serpens	SER	Serpent	Equatorial	May
Sextans	SEX	Sextant	Equatorial	March
Taurus	TAU	Bull	Equatorial	December
Telescopium	TEL	Telescope	Southern	July
Triangulum	TRI	Triangle	Northern	November
Triangulum Australe	TRA	Southern Triangle	South Polar	June
Tucana	TUC	Toucan	South Polar	October
Ursa Major	UMA	Big Bear	Northern	March
Ursa Minor	UMI	Little Bear	North Polar	March
Vela	VEL	Sails	Southern	February
Virgo	VIR	Virgin	Equatorial	April
Volans	VOL	Flying Fish	South Polar	January
Vulpecula	VUL	Little Fox	Equatorial	August
Serpens Cauda	SRP	Serpent	Equatorial	July

Source Reference