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Star Naming Constellation Guidelines
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What constellation should I choose? Which are viewable from my location and when? What do the constellation names mean? These are all common questions which we can help you find answers to. Alternatively you can leave the choice of constellation to us, on the order form, if that's easier!
We would recommend that you consider selecting the constellation, in which your star will be located, using one or more of the following criteria:
- The constellation is viewable on your special occasion date
- The constellation is visible from your location. Monthly star charts for the UK & Ireland are provided below, as well as a link to an excellent online planetarium for other locations.
- The name or meaning has some relevance
- Zodiac sign (Note: stars named will be fainter as very popular)
This page is split into two sections; the Night Sky charts and a list of constellations.
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Monthly Star Charts (UK/Ireland):
Click on one of the following links for that months star chart. The maps will open in a new window. The charts show the night sky viewable on the 15th of the month, at 10pm GMT, from latitude +52° (UK/Ireland). The charts are also accurate for 9pm at the end of the month and 11pm at the start!
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Star Charts for Other Locations:
If you need to see the night sky and the constellations visible from other locations (non-UK/Ireland), try Dirk Matussek's excellent Astroviewer Online Planetarium. Astroviewer is Copyright 2001-present, Dirk Matussek, All rights reserved.
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The Constellations:
The 88 constellations are listed in alphabetical order. The following information is provided for each constellation:
- Constellation name / meaning
- Details of when the constellation is best seen
- Whether it is circumpolar (whole constellation viewable all year from the UK)
- Whether the constellation is viewable from the UK/Ireland
- Background information / constellation mythology
Please note that we only guarantee (UK/Ireland only) that your star will be visible, for at least part of the year, in the constellations marked "Viewable from UK". Partially visible constellations may be very low in the night sky making it difficult to view the star allocated. We do not guarantee that you will be able to view your star in a partially visible constellation although we will endeavour to allocate UK viewable stars, on a first come first served basis. It is possible to obtain digital images of most stars allocated. This service is freely available on the internet to anybody. For more information on this facility please contact us using our Contact Us Page.
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Andromeda - The Chained Princess
[Best seen Oct-Nov / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
Andromeda was the daughter of Queen Cassiopeia and King Cepheus. When Cassiopeia boasted that she was more beautiful than the sea nymphs that attended to Poseidon's court (the Nereids), Poseidon (the Sea god) became enraged, sending the monster Cetus to ravage his kingdom. In order to appease Poseidon, Cassiopeia and Cepheus decided to sacrifice Andromeda to Cetus, by chaining her to a rock by the sea. Greek mythology tells how, just in time, Andromeda was saved by Perseus who, astride the winged horse, Pegasus, used the severed head of Medusa to turn Cetus to stone.
Antila - The Air Pump
[Best seen Mar-Apr / Partially viewable from UK] Top of Page
Nicholas-Loius de Lacille gave the name to this constellation in the mid-eighteenth century to commemorate the invention by Robert Boyle. Nicholas de Lacille observed 10,000 southern stars, dividing the far southern sky into 14 new constellations, including the Air Pump.
Apus - The Bird of Paradise
[Not viewable from UK] Top of Page
This constellation appears directly below Triangulum Australe, the southern triangle. Apus is the ancient greek word meaning 'footless', and was derived from Apus Indica, the name given to India's Bird of Paradise.
Aquarius - The Water Bearer
[Best seen Aug-Oct / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
In Greek mythology, Aquarius was 'cup-bearer to the Gods' (Ganymede).This constellation is placed in the sky near other watery constellations including a dolphin (Delphinus), the sea monster (Cetus) and a fish (Pisces).
Aquila - The Eagle
[Best seen Jul-Aug / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
This constellation takes its name from the bird that belonged to the Greek god Zeus. Aquila carried the handsome mortal youth Ganymede to the sky to serve as his master's cup bearer. Ganymede is Jupiter's brightest and largest moon-Jupiter is the Roman name for Zeus.
Ara - The Altar
[Not viewable from UK] Top of Page
Located to the south of Scorpius, Ara's original Latin name was Ara Centauri - commemorating the altar on which sacrifices were made to the gods, in both Greek and Roman times. Ara has also been referred to as the altar of Dionysus, the altar built by Noah after the flood, the altar built by Moses and even the altar from Solomon's Temple.
Aries - The Ram
[Best seen Nov-Dec / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
The ancient Babylonians, Egyptians, Persians and Greeks all called this group of stars the Ram. Greek mythology states that the King of Thessaly had two children who, abused by their stepmother were rescued by a ram with a golden fleece (sent by the god Hermes). One of the children (Helle), fell from the ram as it was flying across the strait that divides Europe from Asia, a body of water the Greeks called Hellespont, the sea of Helle (now the Dardanelles). The second child (Phrixus) was carried to safety on the shores of the Black Sea, where he sacrificed the ram. The golden fleece was placed in the care of a sleepless dragon, where it was stolen by Jason and the Argonauts.
Auriga - The Charioteer
[Best seen Jan-Feb / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
Auriga is usually pictured as a charioteer; the youth wields a whip in one hand and holds a goat (Capella) and her two kids in the other. Capella means 'small goat', but this star is 43.5 light years away and is about ten times bigger than our Sun.
Bootes - The Herdsman
[Best seen May-Jun / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
Bootes is also known as Arcas or Arcturus, son of Zeus and Callisto. Zeus's jealous wife Hera transformed Callisto into a bear. As a consequence she was almost killed whilst her son was out hunting. Zeus rescued her, taking her into the sky where she became Ursa Major, the Great Bear. The name Arcturus (the constellations brightest star) comes from the Greek meaning 'guardian of the bear'. An alternative legend tells that Bootes was the son of Demeter, and that he is rewarded with a place in the sky for inventing the plough.
Caelum - The Chisel
[Not viewable from UK] Top of Page
Caelum is another constellation named in the eighteenth century by the astronomer Nicholas-Louis de Lacaille. The Latin caelum means both 'heavens' and 'birin' which is an instrument used for engraving on copper and fine metals. It is this instrument that Lacaille had in mind when named the constellation.
Camelopardalis - The Giraffe
[Best seen Dec-May (circumpolar) / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
This unlikely constellation appears in the same part of the northern sky as two bears and a dragon-fly! There are conflicting reports as to its origin. It is thought by some that this constellation was invented by Petrus Plancius (1552-1622), a Dutchman who made his name in cartography. His world maps were very popular and his contribution to heavenly maps was awarded in 1624 when Camelopardalis was included in Jakob Bartsch's book on the constellations. Others believe that Bartsch dreamed up the constellation, claiming that it represented the camel that brought Rebecca to Issac in the Bible.
Cancer - The Crab
[Best seen Feb-Mar / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
The Latin for Cancer means Crab, and in Greek mythology the crab was sent to distract Hercules when he was fighting with the monster Hydra. Hercules crushed the crab under his foot, and as a reward for its sacrifice, Hera (wife of Zeus), placed it among the stars.
Canes Venatici - The Hunting Dogs
[Best seen Apr-May / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
This constellation was created in the late-seventeenth century by Johannes Hevelius. It depicts two dogs, Asterion and Chara, both held on leads by Bootes, the herdsman as he hunts the northern skies for the bears Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.
Canis Major - The Great Dog
[Best seen Jan-Feb / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
Canis Major is the largest of Orion's two hunting dogs. The Great Dog is marked by the brightest star Sirius-commonly known as the Dog Star, the brightest star in the entire sky. According to the ancient Greeks, Canis Major (or Laepaps) could run incredibly fast, winning a race against a fox that was the fastest creature in the world. Zeus placed the dog in the sky to commemorate the victory.
Canis Minor - The Little Dog
[Best seen Feb / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
Canis Minor is Orion's second hunting dog. One legend has the two dogs sitting patiently under a table at which the twins (Castor and Pollux) dine. The faint stars scattered in the sky between Canis Major and Gemini represent the crumbs the twins have been feeding to the animals. Procyon (Greek f0r 'before the dog') is the brightest star the constellation of Canis Minor.
Capricornus - The Sea Goat, Capricorn
[Best seen Aug-Sep / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
Carpricornus (or Capricorn) is usually translated as the 'The Sea Goat' or the 'Goat Fish'. This symbolism might relate to the story about the god Pan, who when fleeing the monster Typhon, leapt into the Nile. The part of him that was submerged turned into a fish tail, while his top half remained that of a goat.
Carina - The Keel
[Not viewable from UK] Top of Page
This constellation was once part of a huge constellation known as Argo Navis, the ship Argo (that Jason and his Argonauts sailed in to search for the golden fleece of Aries). Argo Navis was sub-divided in 1763 by Nicholas Louis de-Lacaille into four smaller constellations; Pyxis (the Compass), Puppis (the Stern or Poop Deck), Vela (the Sail) and Carina.
Cassiopeia - The Queen
[Best seen Oct-Dec (circumpolar) / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
Cassiopeia was the mother of Andromeda and the wife of Cepheus, the Ethiopian King of Joppa. The Romans believed this striking W-shaped constellation was Cassiopeia, chained to her throne as a punishment for her vain boastfulness.
Centaurus - The Centaur
[Not viewable from UK] Top of Page
This constellation is said to illustrate Chiron, the Centaur. These creatures were half man, half horse. But unlike other Centaurs, who were monstrous and brutal, Chiron was extremely wise and tutored humans including Jason and Hercules. Hercules accidentally wounded Chiron in the knee with a poisoned arrow. Chiron in great pain, but unable to die because he was immortal, pleaded with the gods to end his suffering. Zeus allowed Chiron to die, placing him among the stars. This massive constellation includes the Milky Way.
Cepheus - The King
[Best seen Sep-Oct (circumpolar) / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
Cephus was the king of Ethiopia, husband of Cassiopeia and father of Andromeda. All three members of the family are represented by constellations.
Cetus - The Whale, The Sea Monster
[Best seen Oct-Dec / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
When vain queen Cassiopeia bragged that she was more beautiful than Poseidon's sea nymphs, he sent Cetus to take revenge. To appease Poseidon, Cassiopeia's daughter, Andromeda, was chained to a rock on the sea edge as a sacrifice to Cetus. But Perseus used the severed head of Medusa to turn the monster into stone, saving Andromeda.
Chamaeleon - The Chameleon
[Not viewable from UK] Top of Page
This constellation was drawn in the early-seventeenth century by Johann Bayer. He drew it following descriptions from early south sea explorers. The chameleon is a small lizard found in Africa that chances colour with its surroundings.
Circinus - The Drawing Compass
[Not viewable from UK] Top of Page
This constellation was developed by Nicholas Louis de Lacaille in the mid-eighteenth century. Nicholas Louis de Lacaille worked at an observatory at the Cape of Good Hope from 1750-1754, where he compiled a catalogue of over 10,000 stars.
Columba - The Dove
[Best seen Apr-May / Partially viewable from UK] Top of Page
This is a modern constellation named by Petrus Plancius a sixteenth century Dutch theologian and map maker. This constellation honours the dove that Noah sent from the Ark after the rains had stopped to find dry land.
Coma Berenices - Berenice's Hair
[Best seen Apr-May / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
Berenice, the beautiful wife of the ancient Egyptian King Ptolemy III, promised to sacrifice her long golden hair to Aphrodite if her husband returned safely from battle. The king returned safely and Berenice's hair was placed in the temple, but disappeared. The king was about to put the temple guards to death when the court astronomer announced that Aphrodite, delighted with the gift had placed it in the sky for all to admire.
Corona Australis - The Southern Crown
[Not viewable from UK] Top of Page
This is one of 48 original constellations catalogued in the second century AD by Ptolemy. It is said to represent the crown of laurel or olive leaves worn by the centaur Sagittarius.
Corona Borealis - The Northern Crown
[Best seen Jun / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
This constellation refers to the crown that Ariande wore when she married Dionysus. Ariande was the beautiful daughter of Minos king of Crete. Every year Minos ordered 7 man and women to be given to the half-man half-bull, the Minotaur. Theseus, son of Poseidon was the local hero and volunteered to be one of the seven. Theseus had to prove to Minos that he was the son of Poseidon. He did this by retrieving a golden ring that Minos threw into the sea. As he dived down, Theseus was accompanied by dolphins who directed him to a superb golden crown. When Theseus emerged from the sea with the crown and the ring, he received the loving admiration of Ariande. Because he had proved he was the son of Poseidon, Theseus now had to confront the Minotaur. Ariande promised to help Theseus kill the Minotaur if he married her. Theseus agreed and Ariande gave him a ball of twine to help him find his way out of the maze after killing the Minotaur. At this point in the story Dionysus visited Naxos and fell in love with Ariande. He placed a spell on Theseus, making him forget about his promise of marriage to Ariande. Dionysus married Ariande, placing the crown in the heavens between Hercules and Bootes when she died.
Corvus - The Crow
[Best seen Apr-May / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
Corvus, The Crow, is also known as the Raven and was sent by Apollo to get a cup of water (Crater). The greedy crow stopped and waited for a fig near the spring to ripen so that he could eat it. Returning with the cup (Crater) of water, the crow also collected a water snake (Hydra) as an alibi. He explained to Apollo that the water snake had attacked him causing his delay. Apollo, fully aware of the crow's lie placed all three in the sky. The water goblet lies to the west of the crow, just out of reach. The serpent also prevents the crow from reaching the water condemning him to an eternity of thirst.
Crater - The Cup
[Best seen Apr / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
This constellation lies to the right of Corvus, the Crow and is bounded by Hydra, the River. Legend has it that Corvus, the Crow was sent by Apollo to fetch a cup of water (Crater) from the river, but the greedy crow stopped to wait for a fig to ripen. Using a water snake as an alibi, the crow tried to lie to Apollo about the time delay. Apollo cast the crow into the sky just out of reach of the water, suffering an eternity of thirst.
Crux - The Southern Cross
[Not viewable from UK] Top of Page
This is the most familiar constellation in the southern hemisphere. This tiny constellation (the smallest in the entire sky) was once part of Centaurus, but became a constellation in its own right in the sixteenth century. It also appears on the flags of many nations. It's distinctive pattern helped to guide sailors for centuries, the upright of the cross pointing to the south celestial pole. The constellation also contains the unique nebula, The Coal Sack, and the famous star cluster, The Jewel Box.
Cygnus - The Swan
[Best seen Aug-Sep / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
The Swan is one of the more obvious constellations in the summer skies. Because of its shape it is sometimes called the Northern Cross. Cygnus is the northern hemisphere's answer to the Crux. Cygnus straddles the northern Milky Way. One story claims that Cygnus is Orpheus, the hero of Thrace who sang and played his lyre so beautifully that wild animals and even trees would come and hear him play. It is said that Orpheus was transported to the skies as a swan so that he could be near his lyre.
Delphinus - The Dolphin
[Best seen Aug-Sep / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
This small ancient constellation is located west of Pegasus. It is said that on the advice of a dolphin, the mermaid Amphitrite agreed to marry Poseidon who she had been trying to escape. Poseidon was so pleased with the dolphin that he placed him among the stars. The constellation is also called 'Job's Coffin' and probably derives from the time when Delphinus was interpreted as a whale; but this name still remains a bit of an enigma.
Dorado - The Swordfish / Goldfish / Dolphinfish
[Not viewable from UK] Top of Page
Dorado was introduced by Johann Bayer in 1603 in his star atlas Uranometria. Dorado is also known as the Goldfish and the Swordfish and lies far to the south. This constellation honours the tropical dophinfish, the mahi-mahi a member of the Coryphaenidae family, which measure upto 5ft (1.75m) long. Since they swim fast and leap out of the water, they are considered 'good omens' by sailors. This constellation also contains the Large Magellanic Cloud and the Tarantula Nebula.
Draco - The Dragon
[Best seen Mar-Sep (circumpolar) / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
This constellation is circumpolar to the northern hemisphere and is best seen during the summer months. The Dragon is often hard to trace as it winds its way through the constellations of Ursa Major, Bootes, Hercules, Lyra, Cygnus and Cepheus. The story involving this constellation tells how a fierce dragon called Ladon was chosen by Hera (Queen of the Heavens) to guard the entrance to the Hesperides where a golden apple grew. The eleventh task of Hercules was to steal the golden fruit. To achieve this he enlisted the help of Atlas. Shooting an arrow over the wall of the garden, Hercules killed Ladon and Atlas retrieved the fruit for Hercules. Hera so upset that she placed Ladon in the heavens, coiled around the north pole.
Equuleus - The Little Horse
[Best seen Sep / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
With the exception of Crux, Equuleus occupies a smaller space than any other constellation. This is an old constellation and may have been founded by Ptolemy in the second century AD. However it is possible that the outstanding Greek astronomer Hipparchus (146-27 BC) was the true creator of this constellation. Some sources believe that the 'Little Horse' is Celeris, the half-brother of Pegasus.
Eridanus - The River
[Best seen Nov-Jan / Partially viewable from UK] Top of Page
Eridanus is a very long and winding river that starts west of Rigel at the foot of Orion in the north and sweeps south of Taurus, west of Cetus, then it doubles back east to Caelum and eventually ends far to the south at the border with Hydrus. Some writers claim that this river represents the Tigris, Euphrates, or the Nile. Homer called it the 'Ocean Stream'.
Fornax - The Furnace
[Best seen Nov-Dec / Partially viewable from UK] Top of Page
This constellation was created from several faint stars in the bend of River Eridanus, by Nicolas Louis de Lacaille in the mid-eighteenth century. The constellation was created to honour the famous French chemist Antoine Lavoisier who was guillotined during the French Revolution in 1794.
Gemini - The Twins
[Best seen Jan-Feb / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
The twins were only half brothers, Castor and Pollux who hatched from the egg of their mother Leda, following her seduction by Zeus. The twins became Argonauts sailing with Jason in the quest for the golden fleece. Castor was killed by Idas in one of the Argonauts raiding trips. Pollux was so upset by his brothers death that Zeus placed them side by side in the heavens.
Grus - The Crane
[Not viewable from UK] Top of Page
Johann Bayer named this southern constellation in 1603, lying just below Pisces Austrinus. This group of stars have often been interpreted as a stork, a flamingo and a fishing rod. The constellation is complete with very faint spiral galaxies.
Hercules - The Strongman
[Best seen Jun-Aug / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
This is the fifth largest constellation, although it is not the most obvious. One of the most famous of all of the classical heroes, Hercules was incredibly strong and was the half mortal son of Zeus. He was named after the greatest Greek goddess, Hera. Hercules means 'glory (or honour) of Hera,' and he became a favourite with the gods. Apollo made his bow and arrows, Athene gave him a magnificent robe, Hermes provided him with a sword and Castor (the greatest warrior), taught him how to use it. Hephaestus, the smithy of the gods, made a golden breastplate for Hercules. Armed and protected, Hercules paraded through Greek mythology performing eight heroic acts and twelve labours. At the end of his life, as a reward for his bravery, Jupiter made him one of the gods, placing him in the sky.
Horologium - The Clock
[Not viewable from UK] Top of Page
This small group of stars lies to the east of Archernar and is one of the constellations mapped by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille. Originally called Horolgium Oscillatorium, this constellation honours the invention of the pendulum clock by Dutch scientist Christiaan Huygens in 1656 or 1657.
Hydra - The Sea Serpent
[Best seen Jan-Feb / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
This constellation winds down from the northern hemisphere, bordering Cancer as far in the southern hemisphere as Centaurus. The story of Hydra revolves around the tale of the second of Hercules' labours. Hydra was a gigantic dog-like beast with many heads. In order to slay the creature, Hercules had to sever the single immortal head. But each time Hercules cut off one of the heads, two more grew in place. Some stories tell of as many as thousand heads! Hercules relied on the help of his nephew Lolaus, who set fire to a grove, burning the stump of each wound to prevent the heads from re-growing. Hercules eventually found and severed the immortal head, killing Hydra.
Hydrus - The Water Snake
[Not viewable from UK] Top of Page
This is another of Johann Bayer's constellations, created in his star atlas of 1603. He placed it near Achernar, the mouth of the River Eridanus. It is intended to be the southern hemispheres' answer to Hydra.
Indus - The Indian
[Not viewable from UK] Top of Page
This constellation was added to the southern sky by Johann Bayer to honour the native Americans that European explorers encountered on their travels. The figure of Indus is positioned between three birds; Grus, the Crane, Tucana, the Tucan and Pavo the peacock.
Lacerta - The Lizard
[Best seen Sep-Oct / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
Johannes Hevelius the Polish astronomer (1611-1687), had seven new constellations published posthumously in 1690. canis Venatici, Lacerta, Leo Minor, Lynx, Scutum, Sextans and Vulpecula all first appeared in Prodromus Astronomiae. Lacerta lies south of Cepheus and is far enough north too be circumpolar at the higher mid-northern latitudes.
Leo - The Lion
[Best seen Mar-Apr / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
The first on the list of Hercules' labours was the task of killing the Nemean Lion. A giant beast that roamed the hills of the Peloponnesian villages causing havoc. Hercules' arrows bounced harmlessly off of the lion's body, his sword bent in two and his wooden club smashed to pieces. Hercules had to wrestle the beast finally choking it to death. Hercules then wrapped the pelt of the lion around his body to protect himself from his second labour, killing the poisonous sea serpent Hydra. The lion found its way to the heavens to commemorate the great battle with Hercules.
Leo Minor - The Little Lion
[Best seen Mar-Apr / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
Leo Minor is one of the constellations introduced by Johannes Hevelius in his posthumous catalogue of 1690. Leo Minor lies just above Leo and is the only northern hemisphere constellation which has no 'alpha' star.
Lepus - The Hare
[Best seen Jan / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
The Hare is an ancient constellation found under the feet of Orion, the Hunter. Since Orion particularly liked hunting hares, it was appropriate to place one below his feet in the sky.
Libra - The Scales
[Best seen May-Jun / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
Looking like a high flying kite, Libra is easy to find by extending a line westward from Antares. Libra is one of the constellations of the zodiac associated with Themis, the Greek goddess of justice whose attribute was a pair of scales. Originally these stars were thought to be part of the constellation of Scorpius. Our understanding is that Libra became a separate constellation during the times of the Romans.
Lupus - The Wolf
[Best seen May-Jun / Partially viewable from UK] Top of Page
South of Libra and to the east of Centaurus, lies Lupus the Wolf. It is a small constellation, almost joined with Centaurus as if the centaur is stroking the wolf. The ancient Greeks and Romans called this group of stars Therion, an unspecified wild animal. Lying within the band of the Milky Way, this constellation is home to a number of open and globular clusters.
Lynx - The Lynx
[Best seen Jan-Mar / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
Lynx is one of the hardest constellations to find. Johannes Hevelius charted this figure around 1690, naming it 'Lynx' because you need to have the eyes of a lynx to spot it!
Lyra - The Lyre
[Best seen Jul-Aug / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
The instrument represented by this constellation belonged to Orpheus, son of Apollo. Orpheus played it so well that wild animals, trees and the mountains were enchanted. He passionately loved his wife Eurydice and when she died he descended to the under world (Hades), to save her. He persuaded the gods to release her on condition that he did not look at her for the whole journey out of Hades. Orpheus was so impatient during the journey that he turned to look at his beautiful wife and she was lost forever to Hades. Inconsolable, Orpheus was torn to pieces by a group of women after he ignored their advances. The lovers were reunited in Hades and as a tribute, Zeus placed the lyre in the heavens.
Mensa - The Table, The Table Mountain
[Not viewable from UK] Top of Page
This is the only constellation that refers to a specific geographic location. Mensa was originally called Mons Mensae by Nicholas-Louis de Lacaille, after Table Mountain, south of Cape Town, South Africa. De Lacille developed this small constellation from stars between the Large Magellanic Cloud and Octans. The northern most stars of the constellation represent the summit of the mountain, which are hidden in the Large Magellanic Cloud, just as the peak of the real mountain is obscured by clouds.
Microscopium - The Microscope
[Best seen Aug-Sep / Partially viewable from UK] Top of Page
This small , faint constellation lies to the south of Capricornus and east of Sagittarius. It was created by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille in about 1750. It commemorates the microscope, invented by the Dutch spectacle maker Zacharias Janssen around 1590.
Monoceros - The Unicorn
[Best seen Jan-Feb / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
This faint constellation was formed in about 1624 by German astronomer Jakob Bartsch. Monoceros is the Latin form of the Greek word meaning 'one horned'. The origin of the mythical unicorn might be the result of a confused description of a rhinoceros. Located between Canis Minor and Canis Major, this constellation contains NGC 2237, the Rosette Nebula.
Musca - The Fly
[Not viewable from UK] Top of Page
Musca is an easy constellation to find and it lies south of the Southern Cross. It was originally described by Johann Bayer in his 1603 star atlas as Apis the Bee. Later on, Edmond Halley called it Musca Apis, the Fly Bee, then Nicolas-Louis de Lacille named it Musca Australis, the Southern Fly to avoid it being confused with the fly on the back of Aries, the Ram. Now that the northern fly is no longer recognised as a constellation, the Southern Fly is known simply as Musca.
Norma - The Square / Carpenters Level
[Not viewable from UK] Top of Page
East of Centaurus and Lupus is a small constellation called Norma, the square. When he named this group of stars, Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille decided to call it Norma et Rugla, the Level and Square after the carpenter's tools. The constellation lies along side Circinus, the Drawing Compass which he named simultaneously.
Octans - The Octant
[Not viewable from UK] Top of Page
In order to honour John Hadley's invention of the Octant in 1730, Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille formed this south polar constellation and called it Octans Hadleianus. The Octant was an instrument used to measure the altitude of a celestial body, an essential tool for navigators and astronomers.
Ophiuchus - The Serpent Bearer
[Best seen Jun-Jul / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
The constellation Ophiuchus lies entwined with the constellation of Serpens. Together they cover a vast expanse of sky. The Greek word for 'Serpent Bearer' Ophiuchus is usually associated with Asclepius, the god of medicine. One legend tells how Asclepius learned about the healing power of plants from a snake. He even used his medical skills to raise the dead, which concerned Jupiter, god of Hades, the underworld. Jupiter persuaded his brother Zeus to strike Asclepius dead with a thunderbolt. Zeus complied and placed Asclepius in the sky with his serpent in recognition of his healing skills.
Orion - The Hunter
[Best seen Dec-Jan / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
Orion, the Hunter has been recognised for thousands of years. The Chaldeans knew this group of stars as Tammuz, named after the month in which the stars that make Orion's 'belt' become visible before sunrise. The Syrians called it Al Jabbar, the Giant. The Egyptians called it Sahu, the soul of Osiris. In Greek mythology, Orion was a giant and a great hunter. One legend tells how Artemis, the goddess of the Moon and of the hunt, fell in love with Orion. Her twin brother, Apollo, saw Orion swimming far out to sea. He challenged his sister to hit the faint dot among the waves. Artemis shot an arrow, hitting and killing Orion. Inconsolable, she placed his body in the heavens together with his hunting dogs. With the three stars that make Orion's belt, Rigel and Betelgeuse make this one of the most attractive constellations in the Northern Hemisphere from December to April.
Pavo - The Peacock
[Not viewable from UK] Top of Page
Pavo, the peacock lies south of Sagittarius and Corona Australis. It is a modern constellation devised by Johann Bayer, published in his Star Atlas of 1603. In Greek mythology the wife of Zeus, Hera owned a beautiful peacock that was sacred to her. Hera suspected that her husband, Zeus had fallen in love with the mortal, Io, changing her into a white heifer as a disguise. Hera asked Argus Panoptes, the giant with 100 eyes to guard the heifer, but then Zeus sent Hermes to kill Argus. Hera celebrated the giant by distributing his eyes over the tail of the peacock in the heavens.
Pegasus - The Winged Horse
[Best seen Sep-Oct / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
The winged horse has been found on ancient tablets from the Euphrates valley and on Greek coins minted in the fourth century BC. According to Greek legend, when Perseus decapitated the Gorgon Medusa, Pegasus sprang up from her blood. When Perseus was brought to Mount Helicon, one kick of his hoof caused the spring of Hippocrene to flow, a source of inspiration to the poets.
Perseus - The Hero
[Best seen Nov-Dec / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
Perseus was the son of Zeus and the mortal Danaë. His most famous exploit was to kill the Gorgon Medusa, one of the three sisters who were so terrifyingly ugly that a single glance turned the observer to stone. Using Athene's shied as a mirror, Perseus severed the Medusa's head. The winged horse, Pegasus sprang from her blood.
Phoenix - The Phoenix
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This is a relatively new constellation, depicted by Johann Bayer in his Uranometria of 1603. But the idea of such a miraculous bird goes back to the ancient Chinese who visualised a firebird known as Ho-neaou. The Phoenix also appears in ancient Egyptian art and Roman coins. The fabulous symbol of resurrection, the Phoenix was a bird of great beauty that lived for 500 years. This mythical bird would then build a nest of twigs and fragrant leaves. The noontime Sun rays would ignite the pyre, consuming the Phoenix. The legend tells how a small worm would wriggle out of the ashes, bask in the Sunlight and evolve into a brand new Phoenix.
Pictor - The Painter / The Painter's Easel
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This southern constellation was originally named Equuleus Pictoris by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille. It lies south of Columba and alongside the brilliant star Canopus. Beta (b) Pictoris is a fourth magnitude star, around which a disk of ice and dust circulates.
Pisces - The Fish
[Best seen Oct-Nov / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
For thousands of years, this faint zodiacal constellation has been seen either as one or two fish. In Greco-Roman mythology, Aphrodite and her son Heros were being pursued by the monster Typhon. In order to escape him, they turned themselves into fish, swimming to safety. The pair tied their tails together to insure that they wouldn't be parted during their escape. Pisces lies between Aries and Aquarius in the northern skies.
Pisces Austrinus - The Southern Fish
[Best seen Sep-Oct / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
Lying to the south of Aquarius and Capricornus is Pisces Austrinus, the southern fish. It is easy to spot because of the lone, bright star, Fomalhaut, often referred to as The Solitary One. For the Persians, 5,000 years ago, this was a Royal Star that had the privilege of being one of the guardians of heaven.
Puppis - The Stern
[Best seen Jan-Feb / Partially viewable from UK] Top of Page
Located south of Canis Major, Puppis is the stern of the Argonauts ship the Argos. It is the northernmost of the constellations that comprise the Argos. The Milky Way runs along side the ship with Pyxis (The Compass) adjacent to antila. It was Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille that changed Malus, the Mast into Pyxis during the seventeenth century.
Pyxis - The Compass
[Best seen Feb-Mar / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
Located south of Canis Major, Pyxis, The Compass was originally known as Malus, the Mast until renamed by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille during the seventeenth century.
Reticulum - The Reticle
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This small constellation of faint stars lies half way between the bright star Achernar and Canopus. Reticulum was first established as Rhombus by Isaak Habrecht of Straburg. De Lacaille changed its name to Reticulum to honour the reticle, the grid of fine lines in a telescope eyepiece that helps to centre and focus. This constellation is also known as the Net.
Sagitta - The Arrow
[Best seen Aug / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
The ancient Hebrews, Persians, Arabs, Greeks and Romans identified this small constellation as an arrow. It is located halfway between Altair in Aquila and Albireo. Throughout history, this weapon has been thought to be used by Apollo to kill the Cyclops, one of the arrows shot by Hercules at the Stymohalian Birds or as Cupid's dart.
Sagittarius - The Archer
[Best seen Jul-Aug / Partially viewable from UK] Top of Page
Sagittarius is located on the Milky Way. It is one of the twelve constellations to make the Zodiac, the most distinctive aspect of Sagittarius is the group of stars within it, which look like a teapot, complete with spout and handle. Sagittarius is often thought to represent a centaur, half man, half horse, and is usually considered to be Chiron, identified with the constellation of Centaurus. However, Sagittarius holds a drawn bow, not in character with Chiron who was known for his kindness and wisdom. Some say that Chiron was created to guide Jason and the Argonauts as they sailed on the Argo.
Scorpius - The Scorpion
[Best seen Jun-Jul / Partially viewable from UK] Top of Page
In Greek mythology, it was Scorpius, the scorpion who finally killed Orion. As such the two constellations are set at opposite sides of the sky. The tail of this mighty scorpion lies next to Sagittarius with the pincers towards Libra. The northern end of this constellation is the home of the red super giant star, Antares. The Romans called this star 'Cor Scorpionis', the heart of the scorpion.
Sculptor - The Sculptor
[Best seen Oct-Nov / Partially viewable from UK] Top of Page
This modern constellation was originally called L'Atelier du Sculpteur (the sculptor's workshop) by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille. It lies to the south of Aquarius and Cetus.
Scutum - The Shield
[Best seen Jul-Aug / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
Johannes Hevelius created this constellation at the end of the seventeenth century, to commemorate King John Sobieski of Poland who successfully fought off a Turkish invasion in 1683. Hevelius called it Scutum Sobiescianum (Sobieski's Shield) and it contains M11, The Wild Duck Cluster, visible with binoculars.
Serpens Caput (head) / Serpens Cauda (tail) - The Serpent
[Best seen Jun-Aug / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
This is the only constellation divided into two parts because of its size. The head (Serpens Caput) and the tail (Serpens Cauda) are separated by the constellation of Ophiuchus, the Serpent Bearer.
Sextans - The Sextant
[Best seen Mar-Apr / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
Sextans is located between Leo and Hydra. Sextans Uranise, now known simply as Sextans was created by Johannes Hevelius to commemorate the loss of his own sextant destroyed in a fire that claimed other astronomical instruments in 1679. Sextants were used to measure the position of the stars.
Taurus - The Bull
[Best seen Dec-Jan / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
Lying northwest to Orion, Taurus is a prominent northern constellation, containing two of the largest visible star clusters, the Hyades and the Pleiades. For over 5,000 years this constellation has been associated with a bull. Bulls have been worshipped since ancient times as symbols of strength and fertility. The ancient Egyptians worshipped Apis, the bull of Memphis, a real bull that was thought to be the incarnation of Osiris. The Israelites worshipped the Golden Calf. In classical times, the Greeks saw the constellation as Zeus disguised as a bull. The legend states that Zeus fell in love with the beautiful Europa, daughter of Agenor, King of Phoenicia. One day while playing at the waters edge, Europa's attention was caught by the majestic white bull, Zeus in animal form. The bull knelt before her as she approached it. She climbed upon its back, wreathing flowers around its horns. Springing to its feet, the bull took off into the sea and swam to Crete, where Zeus made Europa his mistress. It was their third son, Minos who later became king of Crete.
Telescopium - The Telescope
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The original name of this constellation, Tubus Telescopium was created by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille during the eighteenth century to honour the invention of the telescope. Telescopium is surrounded by Sagittarius, Ophiuchus, Corona Australis and Scorpius. De Lacaille 'borrowed' a few of the stars from these other constellations in order to create it.
Triangulum - The Triangle
[Best seen Nov-Dec / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
Triangulum is a small constellation extending just south of Andromeda. Dispite its lack of distinction, the group of stars was known to the ancients and because of its similarity to the Greek letter delta (D) it was sometimes called 'Delta' or 'Deltotum'. It has been associated with the delta of the river Nile and has also been connected with the island of Sicily, which is shaped like a triangle.
Triangulum Australe - The Southern Triangle
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This simple three sided figure lies deep in the southern sky and first appeared in Johann Bayer's great star atlas Uranometria in 1603. Triangulum lies just south of Norma, Ara and Lupus.
Tucana - The Toucan
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Johann Bayer first published this constellation as Toucan, which over time became Tucana. From the earliest drawings, Tucana sat on the Small Magellanic Cloud, one of the two closest galaxies to the Milky Way.
Ursa Major - The Great Bear
[Best seen Feb-May / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
One of the oldest constellations, Ursa Major, The Great Bear is also one of the best known. In particular are the seven stars which make up what is commonly known as the Big Dipper or the Plough. In Cherokee legend, the handle of the Big Dipper represents a team of hunters pursuing the bear. The Iroquois of Canada and the Micmac's of Nova Scotia believe that each spring the hunt begins when the bear leaves Corona Borealis, its den. Hunted by seven warriors, the bear isn't killed until autumn when it disappears from the sky. A new bears emerges from Corona Borealis and the hunt begins again. The early Britons interpreted the Big Dipper as King Arthur's chariot. The Romans viewed it as a team of seven oxen, harnessed to the pole and driven by Arcturus. In Greek legend, Zeus and Callisto, a mortal, had a son called Arcas. Hera, Zeus's jealous wife turned Callisto into a bear. One day, while Callisto's son was out hunting he almost killed his mother. Rescued by Zeus, Callisto was placed in the heavens with her son, whom Zeus also transformed into a bear. Callisto is Ursa Major and Arcas is Ursa Minor.
Ursa Minor - The Little Bear
[Best seen May-Jun (circumpolar) / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
Also known as the Little Dipper, Ursa Minor looks like a spoon with the handle bent back. This collection of stars was recognised by the Greek astronomer, Thales in 600BC. According to Greek legend, Ursa Minor is Arcas, son of beautiful Callisto (Ursa Major, The Great Bear). Placed in the sky by Zeus, Ursa Minor and Ursa Major follow each other endlessly around the north celestial pole.
Vela - The Sail (or Argo)
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This constellation along with Carina (the Keel), Puppis (the Stern) and Pyxis (the Compass), all once formed part of a huge group of stars in the southern skies known as Argo Navis, the ship Argo. This was the vessel that Jason and his Argonauts sailed to retrieved the Golden Fleece. Argo Navis was subdivided by Nicolas-Louis de Lacaille in the 1750's. The stars were divided into four separate constellations.
Virgo - The Maiden, The Virgin
[Best seen Apr-Jun / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
Virgo is the only female figure among the constellations of the Zodiac. The Maiden has been attributed to many female deities over history. Among others, she has been identified with the Babylonian goddess Ishtar, the Roman goddess of justice, Astraea and the Greek goddess of the harvest, Demeter. As such, Virgo is usually depicted either holding an ear of wheat or carrying the scales of Libra the adjoining constellation.
Volans - The Flying Fish
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This constellation was initially named Piscis Volans by Johann Bayer in his Uranometria of 1603. It has since lost its prefix and is thought to be inspired by sailors in the south seas, who reported seeing schools of flying fish gliding across the water for over distances of 400m.
Vulpecula - The Fox
[Best seen Aug-Sep / Viewable from UK] Top of Page
This constellation, created by Johannes Hevelius in 1690 does not benefit form an ancient legend. Hevelius's name for the constellation was Vulpecula cum Anser, the Fox with the Goose. Today this collection of stars is known simply as 'the Fox'.
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That which we look on with unselfish love and true humility is surely ours, even as a lake looks at the stars above and makes within itself a heaven of stars
(Mary Gardiner Brainard. 1837–1905)
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