Sixteen Constellations
A constellation isn't a real group of stars — the stars in each pattern are usually nowhere near each other, just lined up by chance from where we happen to sit. What's real is the story people told about the shape. Click any map to read it.
A constellation isn't a real group of stars — the stars in each pattern are usually nowhere near each other, just lined up by chance from where we happen to sit. What's real is the story people told about the shape. Click any map to read it.
Star maps are plotted from real relative positions and brightnesses. Seasons given are for the northern hemisphere unless noted.
Four things that make stargazing work
Wait for dark eyes
Your eyes need about 20–30 minutes to fully adapt. One glance at a phone screen resets the clock. Use a red light if you need one.
Escape the glow
City lighting washes out all but the brightest stars. Even a short trip away from streetlights can multiply how many you can see.
Mind the Moon
A full Moon is a floodlight. For faint stars and the Milky Way, go out near a new Moon — check the Moon page to find one.
Look slightly away
The edges of your vision are more light-sensitive than the centre. To see a faint object better, look just beside it. It's called averted vision.