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An asterism is an observed pattern or group of stars in the sky. Asterisms can be any identified pattern or group of stars, and therefore are a more general concept than the 88 formally defined constellations.
Jul 28, 2021 · There are 88 star patterns known as constellations that are recognized by astronomers and the International Astronomical Union. In addition to the star patterns within the constellations, there are a variety of other familiar patterns of stars. These are called asterisms.
Jan 6, 2022 · Asterisms are patterns of stars with shapes and sizes that can range from the very simple, containing just a few stars, to the larger and more complex — with some of these arrangements of...
Learn what asterisms are, how they differ from constellations, and how to recognize them in the night sky. Explore examples of bright and faint asterisms, their names, shapes, and locations in the sky.
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An asterism is a pattern of stars that is not a constellation, such as the Big Dipper or the Summer Triangle. Learn about the history, types, and uses of asterisms and constellations from Britannica's editors.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Mar 3, 2024 · Learn the difference between a constellation and an asterism, and see some famous examples of both. A constellation is an official group of stars with well-defined boundaries, while an asterism is a pattern of stars with a popular name.
Sep 16, 2020 · An asterism is an unofficial group of stars recognized by (generally amateur) astronomers or the public. They have been in a separate category than constellations since 1928.
