The scientific names and classifications of the constellations

The scientific names and classifications of the constellations

The stars have been studied and mapped for thousands of years. Different civilizations from around the world have created their own systems for grouping stars into constellations. Today, there are 88 officially recognized constellations in the sky, each with their own scientific name and classification.

Zodiac constellations

The zodiac constellations are a special set of constellations that lie along the ecliptic, which is the path that the Sun appears to trace across the sky throughout the year. There are 12 zodiac constellations, each corresponding to a different month of the year. The scientific names and classifications of these constellations are as follows:

Aries (the Ram) - Latin: Aries, Class: Zodiac

Taurus (the Bull) - Latin: Taurus, Class: Zodiac

Gemini (the Twins) - Latin: Gemini, Class: Zodiac

Cancer (the Crab) - Latin: Cancer, Class: Zodiac

Leo (the Lion) - Latin: Leo, Class: Zodiac

Virgo (the Virgin) - Latin: Virgo, Class: Zodiac

Libra (the Scales) - Latin: Libra, Class: Zodiac

Scorpius (the Scorpion) - Latin: Scorpius, Class: Zodiac

Sagittarius (the Archer) - Latin: Sagittarius, Class: Zodiac

Capricornus (the Sea Goat) - Latin: Capricornus, Class: Zodiac

Aquarius (the Water Bearer) - Latin: Aquarius, Class: Zodiac

Pisces (the Fish) - Latin: Pisces, Class: Zodiac

Non-zodiac constellations

Unlike the zodiac constellations, the non-zodiac constellations do not lie along the ecliptic. There are 76 officially recognized non-zodiac constellations, each with their own scientific name and classification. Some examples of non-zodiac constellations include:

Andromeda - Latin: Andromeda, Class: Perseus family

Cassiopeia - Latin: Cassiopeia, Class: Perseus family

Orion - Latin: Orion, Class: Orion family

Ursa Major (the Big Dipper) - Latin: Ursa Major, Class: Ursa Major family

Ursa Minor (the Little Dipper) - Latin: Ursa Minor, Class: Ursa Minor family

In conclusion

The scientific names and classifications of the constellations are an important part of astronomy. Understanding these classifications allows us to better study and appreciate the beauty of the stars above us. By knowing the names of the constellations, we can enhance our understanding of the night sky and the vastness of the universe.