Constellations

• In all, 88 constellations have now been named. About half of them can be seen on a clear night. Some such as the Great Bear are very large. Others such as the Southern Cross or the Crux are very small.

• Many constellations, including the Zodiac ones, were named long, long ago after animals and ancient gods and heroes.

•  Although from earth they seem to be in a group, individual stars in a constellation may be huge distances apart. Some are much father from earth than others.