What is a constellation?

Constellations are groups of stars that form recognizable patterns in the night sky, often named after mythological figures, animals, or objects. Astronomers use constellations to help identify and locate specific stars and celestial objects. There are 88 officially recognized constellations, and they have been used historically for navigation, storytelling, and calendar making. Today, constellations serve as a way to organize the sky and aid in astronomical observations.