Northern hemisphere
Ursa Major
Ursa Major is probably the most famous constellation, with the exception of Orion. Also known as the Great Bear, it has a companion
called Ursa Minor, or Little Bear. The body and tail of the bear make up what is known as the Big Dipper.
Bootes
Bootes, the herdsman, rides through the sky during the late Spring and early Summer. While he may have appeared as a shepherd
to the ancients, modern star-gazers like us can easily recognize the shape of a kite, with the bright star Arcturus at the point of the
kite where the tail is attached.
Cancer
Cancer, the Crab, is a member of the Zodiac, a group of constellationsthat the Sun travels through each year. Cancer is best seen
during the month of March, but is visible from December through June.
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Leo
The constellation Leo is known as the Lion. Leo's head and mane make up an upside-down question mark called the Sickle. One of
the brightest spring stars, Regulus (Latin for "little king"), is at the base of the question mark. The rest of Leo's body, legs, and tail
extend to the east.
Virgo is found in the months of April through July.
Virgo
The constellation Virgo is known as The Maiden. The constellation represents almost every famous and powerful female in mythology,
including Athena, Artemis, Persephone and Demeter. She is usually carrying a grain of wheat and a staff.
Southern Hemisphere Constellations
Many different constellations fill the evening sky in the southern hemisphere. Depending on your location and the season, different
constellations can be seen. Southern circumpolar constellations can be seen all year long in the night sky of the southern
hemisphere. In the southern hemisphere, there is no bright pole star. This image shows an illustration of Crux - the Southern Cross.
Andromeda
Andromeda is a "V" shaped constellation best viewed in the fall if you live in the Northern Hemisphere.
Andromeda lies close to the north pole, so only a few in the Southern Hemisphere can see this strangely
shaped constellation in the spring.
Aquarius
Aquarius is a member of the Zodiac, a group of constellations that the Sun travels through each year. It is best viewed in the fall in
the southern sky, although much of the northern hemisphere can see the Waterbearer in the spring. Aquarius is one of the oldest
constellations in the sky.
Pegasus
The constellation Pegasus represents the white, winged horse of Greek mythology. This beautiful figure can be seen high in the sky
starting near the end of summer and continuing through autumn if you live in the Northern Hemisphere. If you are below the
Equator, look for Pegasus in late winter and through spring. When looking at the image, it is difficult to see the figure as a horse.
That is because the constellation is actually upside-down! Imagine it flipped over, and you can see what could be the neck and head
of a horse and two legs sticking out from the famous "Square of Pegasus".
Canis Major
Canis Major is known as the Great Dog. In Greek myth, it is said that this constellation, along with Canis Minor, are Orion's hunting
dogs. Canis Major was one of the most important constellations in ancient times because the brightest star in the sky is part of it.
siirus
Pisces
The constellation Pisces is known as the fish. Almost every ancient civilization saw this figure. Some saw the figure as a
single fish, others saw it as a pair. Pisces can be found during the months of September through January.
