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Asterisms can be any identified pattern or group of stars, and therefore are a more general concept than the 88 formally defined constellations. Constellations are based on asterisms, but unlike asterisms, constellations outline and today completely divide the sky and all its celestial objects into regions around their central asterisms.
Asterisms are familiar patterns of stars that are not constellations. Learn about some well-known asterisms, such as the Big Dipper, the Summer Triangle, and the Winter Circle.
Jan 6, 2022 · Asterisms are patterns of stars with shapes and sizes that can range from the very simple, containing just a few stars, to the larger and more complex — with some of these arrangements of stars...
Learn what asterisms are, how they differ from constellations, and how to recognize them in the night sky. Explore examples of bright and faint asterisms, their names, shapes, and locations in the sky.
An asterism is a pattern of stars that is not a constellation, such as the Big Dipper or the Summer Triangle. Learn about the history, types, and uses of asterisms and constellations from Britannica's editors.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Mar 3, 2024 · Learn the difference between a constellation and an asterism, and see some famous examples of both. A constellation is an official group of stars with well-defined boundaries, while an asterism is a pattern of stars with a popular name.
Sep 16, 2020 · Learn what asterisms are and how to find them in the sky. Discover 10 easy-to-spot asterisms in the fall, winter, spring, and summer skies, with stories and images.
