What
is a constellation?
A
constellation is an arbitrary configuration of stars, usually
named after
some object, animal or mythological being that
they
supposedly suggest in outline.
Webster
New World Dictionary – Third College Edition
As long as
mankind has looked into the heavens all civilizations have
recognized and identified star patterns. In ancient times these were
tied into their belief systems and explained in varied ways. Our modern system is
derived from that of Ptolemy; eighty-eight constellations are now in
use.
Categorizing
these star configurations requires a good deal of imagination as you
will see...