TABLE: The Constellations
The Latin names and meanings of the official 88
constellations are given below. The original 48
constellations of Ptolemy are indicated with an
asterisk *. Ptolemy's constellation Argo the Boat
was later divided into three parts (Carina,
Puppis, and Vela, which are noted).
Latin Name | Meaning
|
---|
Andromeda | Daughter of Cassiopeia
|
Antlia | The Air Pump
|
Apus | Bird of Paradise
|
Aquarius | The Water-Bearer
|
Aquila | The Eagle
|
Ara * | The Altar
|
Aries | The Ram
|
Auriga | The Charioteer
|
Boötes | The Herdsman
|
Caelum | The Chisel
|
Camelopardalis | The Giraffe
|
Cancer * | The Crab
|
Canes Venatici | The Hunting Dogs
|
Canis Major * | The Big Dog
|
Canis Minor * | The Little Dog
|
Capricornus * | The Goat
|
Carina * | The Keel (of Argo)
|
Cassiopeia | The Queen
|
Centaurus | The Centaur
|
Cepheus | The King
|
Cetus * | The Whale
|
Chamaeleon | The Chameleon
|
Circinus | The Compasses
|
Columba | The Dove
|
Coma Berenices | Berenice's Hair
|
Corona Australis | The Southern Crown
|
Corona Borealis | The Northern Crown
|
Corvus | The Crow
|
Crater | The Cup
|
Crux | The Cross
|
Cygnus * | The Swan
|
Delphinus | The Dolphin
|
Dorado | The Swordfish
|
Draco | The Dragon
|
Equuleus | The Little Horse
|
Eridanus | The River
|
Fornax | The Furnace
|
Gemini | The Twins
|
Grus | The Crane (bird)
|
Hercules | The Son of Zeus
|
Horologium | The Clock
|
Hydra | The Water Snake (female)
|
Hydrus | The Water Snake (male)
|
Indus | The Indian (American)
|
Lacerta | The Lizard
|
Leo * | The Lion
|
Leo Minor | The Little Lion
|
Lepus | The Hare
|
Libra | The Balance
|
Lupus | The Wolf
|
Lynx | The Lynx
|
Lyra | The Lyre
|
Mensa | The Table
|
Microscopium | The Microscope
|
Monoceros | The Unicorn
|
Musca | The Fly
|
Norma | The Square
|
Octans | The Octant
|
Ophiuchus | The Serpent-Bearer
|
Orion | The Hunter
|
Pavo | The Peacock
|
Pegasus | The Winged Horse
|
Perseus | Rescuer of Andromeda
|
Phoenix | The Phoenix
|
Pictor | The Painter
|
Pisces | The Fishes
|
Piscis Austrinus | The Southern Fish
|
Puppis | The Stern (of Argo)
|
Pyxis | The Compass
|
Reticulum | The Reticle
|
Sagitta * | The Arrow
|
Sagittarius | The Archer
|
Scorpius | The Scorpion
|
Sculptor | The Sculptor
|
Scutum | The Shield
|
Serpens | The Serpent
|
Sextans | The Sextant
|
Taurus | The Bull
|
Telescopium | The Telescope
|
Triangulum * | The Triangle
|
Triangulum Australe | The Southern Triangle
|
Tucana | The Toucan
|
Ursa Major * | The Great Bear
|
Ursa Minor * | The Little Bear
|
Vela | The Sails (of Argo)
|
Virgo | The Maiden
|
Volans | The Flying Fish
|
Vulpecula | The Fox
|