CONSTELLATIONS

In modern astronomy, a constellation is an internationally defined area of the celestial sphere. These areas are grouped around pattern of stars, formed by prominent stars within apparent proximity to one another on Earth's night sky.

Even present day, astronomers use constellations as a handy marker to indicate a general area of the sky. Countless of these enormously distant objects can be seen only with powerful telescopes. In the past, people used the constellations as markers. Sea farers used the constellations to navigate their boats across the sea, some have used to mark seasons of the year, or to locate special stars. The constellations also helped with navigation.

Star constellations

Before there were proper calendars people had no way of determining when to sow, or harvest except by the stars. Constellations made the patterns of the stars easy to remember and decide upon the time. The ancient peoples knew for example that when the constellation Orion started to be fully visible winter will knock on the door soon. They have looked at the Summer Triangle to know when summer or springs were coming as well. The stars allowed farmers to plan ahead and form agriculture, and constellations made it easier to recognize and interpret the patterns in the sky.