Constellations

In common usage, a constellation is a group of celestial bodies that are connected together in some arrangement: typically stars to form a visible figure or picture.

The astronomical definition of constellation is slightly different, however. A group of stars that can be connected to form a figure or a picture is called an asterism, while a constellation is an area on the sky. Source: source: wiki!

There are 88 designated constellations accepted by scientists. Click here to see the list of all 88 constellations split up into the months when they are best seen in the sky.

Click here if you want to check out the detailed bodies.

Amongst the constellations, Cassiopeia is one of my favorites. Firstly, because it is most visible during my birth month (November), and secondly because it has a very interesting story. If you have seen the romantic movie Serendipity, Jonathan (played by John Cusack) tells the story of Queen Cassiopeia, a very beautiful queen who got punished for being vain and arrogant. Below is a layout of November-December constellations. During these months, the stars are more visible in the sky. This makes one of the reasons why I love holiday seasons. Stars shine brighter.



There was also a time in history (not too long ago, like I have my nose on books already) when Mars, Venus and the Moon were arranged in such a way that they formed a smiling face. :)

The view looks like this...




Isn't it nice to view the stars. After all, these are free blessings from the heavens. =)

“When it is darkest, men see the stars.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson