The origin of constellations

Western ancient constellations

Western constellations originated in Babylon, one of the four ancient civilizations. It is said that the so-called zodiac 12 constellation has more than 20 constellation names, and Mesopotamia was born about 5000 years ago.

China Ancient Constellation

In order to facilitate research, people divide the starry sky into several regions, which are called constellations. China has long divided the sky into three walls and twenty-eight nights. Historical records and official records are quite detailed.

Modern constellation determination

1928 The International Astronomical Union officially announced 88 constellations commonly used in the world. At the same time, it is based on the vernal equinox and equator of 1875. According to the different positions of the 88 constellations on the celestial sphere and the appearance of the stars, they are divided into five regions, namely, the Northern Celestial Constellation (5), the Polaris Constellation (40 ~ 90, 19), the Twelve Constellations (12 constellation near the ecliptic on the celestial sphere) and the Zodiac Constellation (19). The 88 constellations in the whole day are: North Sky Constellation (5 constellations): Ursa minor (closest to the north celestial pole), Ursa major, Cassiopeia, Draco and Cepheus. Polaris constellation (19): Scorpio, Andromeda, Lupo, Auriga, Canis major, Foxes, Cygnus minor, Perseus, Shepherd, Pentecost, Backrow, Corona Nordica, Tmall, Lyra, Dolphin, Pegasus, Triangle. Zodiac (12): Cancer, Aries, Gemini, Aquarius, Virgo, Leo, Taurus, Pisces, Capricorn, Scorpio, Libra and Sagittarius. Twelve constellations (10): Sagittarius, Canine, Eagle, Ophiuchus, Ophiuchus, Sextant, Ophiuchus, Unicorn, Orion and Whale. Southern Constellation (***42): Temple of Heaven, Picture Frame, Fly, Mountain Case, India, Tian Yan, Flying Fish, Long Ruler, Swordfish, Clock, Rhododendron, Southern Triangle, Compass, Dragonfly, Telescope, Hydra and Southern Cross (1999).