group ii

types of
constellations
www.seasky.org
 what is constellation?
A constellation is formally defined as a region of the celestial sphere with
boundaries laid down by the International Astronomical Union (IAU).
Constellations are usually based on asterisms, which are chance groupings of
stars in the sky that resemble familiar patterns. Some constellations contain
other asterisms within them.
what are the
constellations that we
can see during each
month of the year?
 MARCH CONSTELLATIONS

CANCER CARINA VELA

(The Sails)
(The Crab) (The Keel)
 cancer
The constellation Cancer, the crab, is visible in the northern
hemisphere in the early spring. It is visible at latitudes
between 90 degrees and -60 degrees. It is a medium-sized
constellation filling 506 square degrees of the sky. It ranks
31st in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It
is bordered by Gemini to the west, Lynx to the north, Leo
Minor to the northeast, Leo to the east, Hydra to the south,
and Canis Minor to the southwest. It is one of the thirteen
constellations of the zodiac. This means it lies along the
path the Sun travels in the sky during the year.
 Carina
The constellation Carina, the keel, is located in the
southern hemisphere of the sky. It is visible at
latitudes south of 15 degrees and is completely below
the horizon for latitudes north of 39 degrees. It is a
medium-sized constellation occupying an area of 494
square degrees. It ranks 34th in size among the 88
constellations in the night sky. It is bordered by the
constellations Centaurus, Chamaeleon, Musca, Pictor,
Puppis, Vela, and Volans.
 vela
The constellation Vela, the sails, is located in the
southern hemisphere of the sky. It is completely
visible at latitudes south of 30 degrees from January
through March. It is a mid-sized constellation
covering an area of 500 square degrees. It ranks 32nd
in size among the 88 constellations in the night sky. It
is bordered by Antlia and Pyxis to the north, Puppis to
the northwest, Carina to the south and southwest, and
Centaurus to the east.
 MARCH CONSTELLATIONS

CANCER CARINA VELA

(The Sails)
(The Crab) (The Keel)
 APRIL CONSTELLATIONS

HYDRA
(The Sea Serpent)
CRATER Leo
(The Cup) (The Lion)
 hydra
The constellation Hydra, the sea serpent, is best seen
from the southern hemisphere, but can be observed in
the north between January and May. It is visible at
latitudes between 54 degrees and -83 degrees. It is the
largest constellation in the night sky, covering an area
of 1,303 square degrees. It is also one of the longest
constellations with a length of over 100 degrees. Its
southern end borders Libra and Centaurus and its
northern end borders Cancer.
 crater
The constellation Crater, the cup, is located in the
southern hemisphere of the sky. It can best be seen in
the northern hemisphere in April and is completely
visible at latitudes between 65 degrees and -90
degrees. It is a small constellation covering an area of
282 square degrees. It ranks 53rd in size among the 88
constellations in the night sky. It is bordered by the
constellations Corvus, Hydra, Leo, Sextans, and
Virgo. The shape of this constellation does indeed
resemble a cup.
 leo
The constellation Leo, the lion, can be seen in the northern
hemisphere in the spring. It is visible at latitudes between 90
degrees and -65 degrees. It is a large constellation covering
an area of 947 square degrees. This makes it the 12th largest
constellation in the night sky. It is bordered by the
constellations Cancer, Coma Berenices, Crater, Hydra, Leo
Minor, Lynx, Sextans, Ursa Major and Virgo. Leo is one of
the thirteen constellations of the zodiac. This means it lies
along the path the Sun travels in the sky during the year. It is
easily recognizable in the night sky due to its many bright
stars and distinctive shape.
 APRIL CONSTELLATIONS

HYDRA
(The Sea Serpent)
CRATER Leo
(The Cup) (The Lion)
thank you for
listening!