Star Constellations

Here’s a high-resolution equatorial star constellations map: An equatorial star constellations map is a map of the night sky. It shows prominent stars and major constellations as they can be observed from the equator.  Since the objects are visible in the night sky depending on where you are located on Earth, the map helps you understand the orientation of constellations and their stars. If you want to take a look at a high-resolution star constellation map, then you’re in the right place. Let’s jump right in! What Is in the Star Constellations Map? This map marks stars and major constellations as they are visible from the equator. Because the map is centered in this visibility range, it features constellations in both the northern and southern hemispheres.  Because of the spherical nature of the Earth, one cannot see all constellations from a single location. Typically, constellations are only visible in one hemisphere, but on an equatorial map, more constellations are visible. How Do You Use the Star Constellations Map? The curvy line in the middle of the map denotes the equator. Star formations above the line are visible in the northern hemisphere. Constellations below the line are in the southern hemisphere. Because the map is rectangular and the sky is not, there is distortion in the map. This is represented by the curvature in the equatorial line. You can think of the map being rolled in such a way that the line would appear straight. That helps to understand how the constellations will actually appear in the night sky. While the map is accurate and functional, it is designed for decorative purposes. The best way to use the map is to enjoy what it is showing you. Why Have a Star Constellations Map? Aesthetics aside, a star map can help you get into stargazing. The map shows you how stars are arranged in order to find major constellations. The constellations are all in different parts of the sky at different times of night. So, you can use them to orient yourself and find any particular object of interest. The map shows where all of the constellations are relative to each other. If you can find anyone item on the map, you can find the rest. The important thing to remember is that the map orients constellations in degrees from the equator.  If you imagine the equator and think of a line in the sky to match it, the degrees north or south of that line where each object will appear are denoted in the map. What Is Included in the Star Constellations Map? This map contains all of the major constellations in the northern and southern hemispheres. It identifies 88 star constellations and the primary stars that comprise them. This is not a complete map of the night sky. Such a map would be absolutely monstrous in size. In fact, astronomers primarily use computer programs to track all of the known and named objects in the sky. There are too many stars and celestial objects to fit them all in a single picture or on a simplified map like this one. Instead, this map has sufficient information to help you navigate the night sky. With the constellations mapped here, you can find areas of the sky. If you are interested in finding or observing any particular object in the sky, you will first want to learn where it is to major constellations.  The map can help you find the right constellation. In turn, that can help you determine where to point your telescope for closer examination. Equatorial Star Constellations Map With All 88 Star Constellations Click on the map to enlarge it:

Here are all 88 officially recognized star constellations, their names, meanings, and pictures. Have you ever looked up at the sky and wondered which constellation you might see and the story behind it? So if you want a complete list of the 88 star constellations, their names, meanings, and pictures then you’re in the right place. Let’s jump right in! Star Constellations: Their Names, Pictures, and Meanings We’ve all gazed up at the night sky, admiring stars forming familiar shapes, dressed in the lore of ancient cultures.  But, where did all of these names come from, and what do they mean?  Without further ado, let’s take a look at all 88 officially recognized star constellation, their names, and their Meanings: Star Constellations Map: An Overview To start, here’s a map that shows all 88 officially recognized star constellations: #1 Andromeda – Royal Sea Monster Bait Andromeda is the daughter of Cassiopeia and Cepheus in Greek mythology.  Unfortunately, appeasing the gods, she was chained and fed to the sea monster Cetus.  However, Perseus finally rescued her. #2 Antlia – Air Pump It was initially named Antlia Pneumatica, or “Pneumatic Machine,” by French astronomer Nicolas Louis de Lacaille.  Actually, this unusual name honored French physicist Denis Papin’s invention of the air pump. #3 Apus – Bird of Paradise Greek for “no feet,” Apus is the official bird of paradise.  Ironically, this name mocks western civilization’s misconception of the paradise bird not having feet.  Who knew!? #4 Aquarius – Water-Bearer Water carrier of the gods, Aquarius was the best-looking boy in ancient Greece.  In fact, Zeus became enthralled with Aquarius, morphed into an eagle, and abducted the boy. #5 Aquila – Thunderbolt Eagle Aquila was the majestic eagle who help Zeus’ thunderbolts.  However, this meaning is often associated with the legendary eagle who abducted Aquarius (see Aquarius). #6 Ara – Altar Ara was the altar in which Greek gods formed a pact before battling the Titans.  Led by Zeus, the gods overpowered the Titans, winning the legendary war. Ultimately, the altar was placed in the sky by Zeus.  In fact, the Milky Way represents the smoke rising from Ara. #7 Aries – Ram Aries was a legendary ram, yielding wings and golden fleece.  Nephele originally sent him to rescue her son, Phrixus, upon his father sacrificing him to ward off famine. Ultimately, both Phrixus and his sister, Helle, boarded Aries, flying to safety on the Black Sea. #8 Auriga – Charioteer Son of Athena, Auriga was the charioteer of the gods.  Plus, created in the image of the Sun god’s chariot, Auriga invented the four-horse chariot. #9 Boötes – Herdsman Greek for “oxen driver,” Boötes was the plowman who corralled oxen, often represented by Ursa Major, the bear. #10 Caelum – Chisel Also, named by French astronomer Nicolas Lous de Lacaille, Caelum means “engraver’s chisel” in Latin. #11 Camelopardalis – Giraffe Greek for “camel and leopard,” Camelopardalis was a Greek giraffe.  Literally, ancient Greeks viewed giraffe’s long necks and spots as a combo of both animals. #12 Cancer – Crab Cancer was a crab sent to distract Heracles while battling an ancient hydra or snake.  In fact, such a battle was one of Heracles’ 12 labors.  Ultimately, he kicked cancer so hard, it flew into our skies, forming the infamous constellation we know today. #13 Canes Venatici – Hunting Dogs Initially named by Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius, Canes represents the hunting dogs, led by Boötes, the herdsman.  In fact, the dogs and herder both follow the great bear, Ursa Major. #14 Canis Major – Big Dog Canis Major is the big dog, following legendary hunter Orion.  In fact, Orion hunts the rabbit, Lepus. #15 Canis Minor – Small Dog Similarly, Canis Minor, the small dog, also follows Orion while hunting the rabbit.  Unfortunately, the small dog jumped off of a cliff in despair over his owner’s death. #16 Capricornus – Sea Goat Literally, meaning “goat,” Capricornus represents a forest god known for his horns and legs of a goat.  In fact, some versions claim the goat tended to the infant god, Zeus. #17 Carina – Keel of Argo Navis Carina was one of three ship pieces used by Jason and the Argonauts to acquire the golden fleece.  Accordingly, Carina represents the ship’s keel. #18 Cassiopeia – Vain Queen Queen Cassiopeia, a boastful royal, was the wife of Cepheus and mother of Andromeda.  Ultimately, while claiming to be more beautiful than anyone else, Poseidon sends a sea monster to kill Cassiopeia.  Upon requesting help, Cepheus is told he must sacrifice his daughter to the monster.  Finally, after leaving the daughter chained to a rock, Perseus saves her. Nice parenting. #19 Centaurus – Centaur Half man, half horse, Centaurus was an ancient mythological creature.  In fact, the beast mentored many gods, like Theseus, Jason, and Heracles. #20 Cepheus – King Husband of Cassiopeia, king Cepheus left daughter, Andromeda, chained to rocks to be eaten by a sea monster.  Fortunately, Perseus saves the girl. #21 Cetus – Whale Famously, Cetus was a sea monster sent by king and queens, Cepheus and Cassiopeia, to devour their daughter, Andromeda. #22 Chamaeleon – Chameleon Simply put, named after the color-changing lizard, the chameleon, by Dutch explorers in the 1500s. #23 Circinus – Compass Originally, named for the drafting tool to draw circles or measure distances. #24 Columba – Dove Introduced in the 1500s, Columba represents the dove who informed Noah that the great biblical flood was receding. #25 Coma Berenices – Berenice’s Hair In ancient Egypt, queen Berenice swore to Aphrodite that she cut off her long, beautiful blonde hair if she brought her husband, Ptolemy, home safely from a dangerous battle.  Finally, upon safely returning, the queen fulfilled her promise, chopping off the locks.  In fact, she placed the hair in Aphrodite’s temple.  However, the hair went missing the following day.  Ultimately, Egyptian astronomer Conon assured him the gods loved the hair and left it in the sky. #26 Corona Australis – Southern Crown Seen by Greeks as …

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