How many constellations are there in the world (exploring the historical and cultural background of constellations)

Constellation is the product of human observation of the sky and the grouping and naming of stars in the sky. The history of constellations can be traced back to Babylon, Egypt, Greece and other ancient civilizations, all of which have their own constellation systems. The modern constellation system was proposed by astronomer Johannes Heinrich Bernoulli in17th century.

Constellation classification

According to the regulations of the International Astronomical Union, the modern constellation system is divided into 88 constellations, of which 48 are ancient constellations and 40 are modern constellations. These constellations are divided into 12 constellations, and each constellation contains some constellations.

How to observe constellations

Observing constellations requires some basic astronomical knowledge and tools. Here are the steps to observe the constellation:

1. Choose a place without light pollution, preferably in the suburbs or mountains.

2. Prepare a telescope or binoculars, which can help you observe the constellation more clearly.

3. Finding Polaris, the only star in the sky that won't move, can help you determine your direction.

4. Find the constellation you want to observe according to the constellation diagram. You can use a constellation diagram or constellation software.

5. Pay attention to the weather and time when observing constellations, preferably on a clear night, and choose a suitable time, preferably between 10 in the afternoon and 2 am.

Constellation cultural background

Constellations have different meanings and symbols in different cultures. In China, constellations are called "lodges", and each lode has different cultural connotations and symbolic meanings. In western culture, constellations are used to predict the future and explain human character.