What is a constellation?
lA constellation is an arbitrary configuration of stars, usually
lnamed after some object, animal or mythological being that
lthey supposedly suggest in outline.
lWebster New World Dictionary – Third College Edition
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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...