Constellations of the Night Sky: Famous Star Patterns Explained (Images)

Pisces, the Fishes

Pisces, the "fishes," is the 14th largest constellation but its stars are relatively faint. [See our reference page about the constellation of Pisces.]

Sagittarius, the Archer

Sagittarius, the "archer," represents the largest constellation in the Southern Hemisphere and the 15th largest constellation overall. The constellation possesses many bright stars and appears quite distinct to the naked eye.

Scorpius, the Scorpion

Scorpius, the "scorpion," stands out as one of the brightest constellations in the sky with a distinctive shape, and for this reason has intrigued people for centuries. [See our reference page about the constellation of Scorpius.]

Taurus, the Bull

Taurus, the "bull," stampedes through the northern winter sky as one of the most prominent and visible of the constellations. [See our reference page about the constellation of Taurus.]

Virgo, the Virgin.

Virgo, the "virgin," represents the largest constellation of the Zodiac and the second-largest constellation overall, behind Hydra. [See our reference page about the constellation of Virgo.]