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There are currently 88 constellations (“star-patterns”) recognized by the International Astronomical Union. Long before this, astronomers were making up their own to fill in gaps of “recognized” constellations or to commemorate royalty, new inventions or favorite items. All of the following can be found on Johann Bode’s 1801 “Uranographia” star maps, but have since been replaced or eliminated by “official” constellations. Click images for a zoomed in view.
Recognized since at least Ptolemy’s time, Jason’s ship “Argo” has occupied a large portion of the southern hemisphere’s summer/fall sky. It has been divided into the constellations of Carina (the keel), Vela (the sails), Puppis (the stern or poop deck) and Pyxis (the compass).
Canopus, alpha Carinae, is the second brightest star in the sky (second to Sirius). Argo Navis represents the 50-oared galley in which Jason and the Argonauts sailed to fetch the golden fleece from Colchis in the Black Sea. Jason entrusted the building of the ship to Argus, after whom it was named.
Also known as Tardanus. A small circumpolar constellation in the extreme northern sky, between Camelopardus (the giraffe) and Cepheus (the King), directly opposite Ursa Minor. . Fittingly, the celestial reindeer was placed near the north pole of the sky. Le Monnier invented the constellation after his trip to Lapland to measure the length of a degree of latitude in the far north.
Created by Jérôme Lalande (a French astronomer and writer) in 1775. It lies next to Rangifer, between Camelopardus and Casseiopia (the queen). The name Custos Messium is a punning reference to his countryman Charles Messier, the famed comet hunter, and in fact the constellation was often known as Messier, particularly in France.
Made up of stars that are now part of Aquila, the eagle, this northern summer constellation represents Antinous, who was the boy lover of the Roman Emperor Hadrian and hence is a real character, not a mythological one. Its first known depiction was in 1536 on a star globe by the German mathematician and cartographer Caspar Vopel (1511–61); it was shown again in 1551 on a star globe by Gerardus Mercator. Tycho Brahe listed it as a separate constellation in 1602 and it remained widely accepted into the 19th century.
Created in 1777 to honor Poland’s king Stanislaus Poniatowski. It lies between Ophiuchus (the serpent-bearer) and Aquila in the northern summer sky. Not to be confused with northern winter’s Taurus the Bull.
The stars at the end of Hydra’s tail have been alternately seen as a solitary thrush, and an owl, based on the two bright stars above Pi Hydrae. The bird shown on Le Monnier’s diagram of the constellation resembles a female blue rock thrush. Le Monnier said he introduced the constellation in memory of the voyage to the island of Rodrigues in the Indian Ocean.
Representing the quadrants used by mariners for navigation and located between Bootes’ head and Draco’s body. The Quadrantid meteor shower is named after it.
A small constellation between Hydra (the water snake) and Antlia (the pump). The constellation was created by Lalande in 1799 who said: “I am very fond of cats. I will let this figure scratch on the chart. The starry sky has worried me quite enough in my life, so that now I can have my joke with it.”
Representing the three-headed guard-dog of the Underworld, who was captured by Hercules, it is appropriately located in Hercules’ right hand, near Lyra, in the northern spring sky. Bode’s drawing looks more like a pair of twisting snakes, representing Hercules’ first feat of strength when he killed two snakes placed in his crib by Hera. The constellation was introduced by Johannes Hevelius in 1687, replacing the branch from the tree of the golden apples that had previously been depicted in the hand of Hercules.
The constellation of Vulpecula (the fox) was originally Vulpecula et Anser (the fox and the goose). Anser was depicted being in the fox’s mouth. Look in the summer sky below Cygnus the swan. It was named by Hevelius in 1690.
The “honors” or symbols of Frederick the Great, king of Prussia who had died the previous year. Created by Bode, it includes the crown and sword of Frederick and a quill pen, to symbolize him as a hero, sage, and peacemake. It was located between Lacerta (the lizard) and Andromeda (the maiden) in the northern fall sky.
A small constellation at the feet of Taurus the bull. It honours King George III of England, patron of William Herschel, the discoverer of Uranus. Both Herschel and King George were of German extraction. Maximilian Hell, the Hungarian-born director of the Vienna observatory, introduced this constellation in 1789.
Created by Bode in 1800 to celebrate the new electric generator. It lies below Cetus the Sea-monster, between Fornax (the Furnace) and Sculptor (the sculpting table). Bode presumably was attempting to emulate the Frenchman Nicolas Louis de Lacaille who had introduced constellations representing scientific and technical inventions.
Another of Bode’s creations, celebrating the creation of the printing press. It lies beneath Monoceros (the unicorn) and to the left of Canis Major (the large dog). It was introduced in 1801 to commemorate the 350th anniversary of Gutenberg’s invention of printing with movable type.
Created by Lalande to celebrate the new hot-air balloon. It lies below Capricornus (the sea-goat).
Some text sourced from Ian Ridpath’s, StarTales
Contributor: copperdragon
1 Marvinsio
December 23rd, 2008 at 2:08 am
very interesting… FIRST OMG lol
2 jhoyce07
December 23rd, 2008 at 2:12 am
love this…
3 jhoyce07
December 23rd, 2008 at 2:20 am
love the universe and stuff..heehee
4 SnowKid32
December 23rd, 2008 at 2:30 am
Wasn’t that intresting to me, but I could see how it is to other people! Mainly like astronomy fans and stuff, y’know?
5 Sugen
December 23rd, 2008 at 2:36 am
never heard of these…
6 phlegm thrower
December 23rd, 2008 at 2:38 am
goodbye pluto….. but dont you worry , coz im not a planet too…..
7 gustor
December 23rd, 2008 at 2:46 am
Constellations have never interested me mainly because they are so exaggerated and this is a great example of that. I bet if I sat down and looked at the sky, eventually, through my own imagination, I could see a ferrari or porche floating around up there…
8 gustor
December 23rd, 2008 at 2:50 am
my first comment and I have a spelling error…ugh…porsche, I mean porsche…lol
9 astraya
December 23rd, 2008 at 3:10 am
As a very occasional stargazer I am fascinated to know that Canopus is the brightest star in the sky. Every book I have ever read lists Sirius. (Not including our sun, of course.)
This list just goes to show how arbitrary these groupings are.
10 lalacroft
December 23rd, 2008 at 3:26 am
How do constellations become extinct anyway? The constellations listed above are very complicated for my taste. Good thing they’re extinct, (I think). I won’t be able to find them in the sky anyways.
11 jfrater
December 23rd, 2008 at 3:35 am
astraya: actually there was an error – it is the brightest in the southern constellation of Carina BUT the second brightest in the entire sky (Northern and Southern hemispheres). I have corrected the error.
12 jfrater
December 23rd, 2008 at 3:41 am
lalacroft: I think they became extinct because a group of people decided to define the “official” ones – excluding those above.
13 Mullaccio
December 23rd, 2008 at 4:04 am
Cannot wait for the new James Webb telescope to be launched so we can see even further into the past. These are exciting times. Great list too!!
14 Mav22
December 23rd, 2008 at 4:05 am
felis looks like a rat to me.
=(
15 astraya
December 23rd, 2008 at 4:30 am
Sometimes I’m too Sirius for my own good!
16 7raul7
December 23rd, 2008 at 4:46 am
Felis is a cat or a rat ?!
Lovely list, I didin’t know constellations too could become extinct !! Surprised !
17 phlegm thrower
December 23rd, 2008 at 5:00 am
i therefore conclude, with evodence of the drawings above,that the astronomers of the past are always HIGN ON DRUGS!!!!
PARTYYYYYYYY!!!!
18 Ghidoran
December 23rd, 2008 at 6:37 am
Oh poor Cerberus
19 Kreachure
December 23rd, 2008 at 6:52 am
Maybe cats looked like overweight rats back then?
20 StLouisGirlie
December 23rd, 2008 at 6:52 am
Cool List, I feel so much smarter!
21 LordCalvert
December 23rd, 2008 at 6:53 am
huhuhuhuhuh 10. turdus huhuhuhuhuh
22 Brickhouse
December 23rd, 2008 at 6:57 am
Wow! Really interesting list!
23 Callie
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:32 am
This was so cool! If someone asked me how many official constellations there were I definitely would have guessed in the hundreds- I can’t believe there are only 88!
24 smurff
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:41 am
Nice list – you learn something new everyday.
25 copperdragon
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:43 am
An odd thing about Argo Navis is that it is only partial visible from Athens, Greece.
The entire constellation can be seen from points south of about 20* North latitude (ie Honolulu). From that latitude, it seems to “sail” on the southern horizon in the spring/summer night sky (mid-april at 9:30pm)
26 Ducky423
December 23rd, 2008 at 8:10 am
Constellations have always facinated me. To be able to navigate a ship by using just the stars is one amazing feat.
27 TomCat
December 23rd, 2008 at 8:28 am
Yawn. Info only worthy of nerds trying out for a trival pursuit tourney.
28 ixora05
December 23rd, 2008 at 8:29 am
great list!
took a class in Astronomy last semester.
one thing though, it’s “Cassiopeia”
29 segue
December 23rd, 2008 at 8:38 am
I’ve been an astronomy nut all of my life, so this list was the perfect thing to wake up to!
Thanks, copperdragon. I’ll be sharing it with my son, who has taken after his Mom in this interest so completely that he tried to rent the local observatory to be married in.
30 Callie
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:06 am
Tomcat-
Some people like learning. Strange concept, I know.
31 Callie
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:11 am
ixora-
I like cassiopeia- she looks like a W..easy to find with the naked eye. Her and Mr. Orion
32 a_guy
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:30 am
When you said “extinct” i thought you meant you can’t see them anymore because the stars have moved on in the sky.
33 Mr. Plow
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:31 am
Constellations are the ancient form of TV. The human need to be entertained in our down time is great indeed.
Never had much use for constellations, much more fun to stare up and wonder what the heck is out there and how do we as a planet fit into it all. Those great existential conversations always seem more intense with the beautiful heavens as your backdrop.
34 damien_karras
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:33 am
International Astronomical Union. Who are THEY to discontinue entire constellations! Insensitive bastards.
I say lets invent some new ones!
Hungrius Lo Meinius : I discovered this constellation last week and it resembles my Chinese food delivery guy.
35 flibbertigibbet
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:34 am
Interesting list, it makes me want to learn more about constellations. I only really know two. On the other hand, it does look a bit like finding shapes in clouds (though more permanent). It almost seems like we could make the stars say anything. “That is Orion’s Belt, and that’s a bunny eating a carrot, and over there it looks like an old man tying his shoes…”
Just sayin’…
36 copperdragon
December 23rd, 2008 at 10:23 am
As observing technology improved, the IAU needed a way to pinpoint the location of objects in the sky (comets, supernovae, galaxies, etc.) so that researchers around the world could find them easily. Basically, a map.
So they settled on 88 constellations, with specific boundaries, mixing old and new, large and small, bright and dim, famous and obscure. There are probably 30 or so that are easily recognizable and well-known for casual stargazers.
One of the exercises I do with my scout groups is to have them find/make up their own constellations. The stars and their positions become more meaningful and easy to remember.
For example, I always see Virgo as a shark’s fin.
I also teach them “asterisms”, which are commonly recognized pieces of constellations or other star-patterns, such as the Summer Triangle, the Big Dipper (which is only part of the constellation Ursa Major) and the Teapot (part of Sagittarius).
So if you can find Felis or Rangifer (they’re made up of pretty dim stars) and it becomes a personal favorite “constellation” – no harm done. The IAU isn’t going to swoop down and take away your binoculars
37 jose rizal
December 23rd, 2008 at 10:28 am
i don’t really understand this constellation, without the outline. it’s just full of dots..
38 TomCat
December 23rd, 2008 at 10:29 am
callie,
what is strange about the concept of learning? You must be stupid.
39 copperdragon
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:04 am
a_guy:
This might happen in a few thousand years. The stars that make up the Big Dipper are at different distances from us, moving at different rates and in different directions. They appear as a pattern by chance from Earth’s location right now, but in time (say 5000-10000 years?) the pattern will no longer exist.
On the other hand, the 3 stars that make up Orion’s Belt are the same distance from us, moving at the same rate in the same direction, so Earth-bound viewers will always (and have always) seen this pattern. This is part of what makes Orion so popular as a constellation in cultures around the world and throughout time.
40 Randall
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:14 am
TomCat:
You must be brain damaged. Step aside before evolution runs you over like a bus squashing a kitten. Dolt.
41 bigski
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:35 am
Being only able to find the big & little dipper,I think it`s kind of cool to be able to see things and make different shapes out of stars. I caint do it .I guess im not artistic enough.Didn`t know constallations could become extinct,learn something new every day.
42 Klingon
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:53 am
I rather look up and wonder about the moon, then try to make a moose out in the constellations.
43 Callie
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:57 am
At least stupidity can be fixed, tom.
Being pitiful on the other hand…not so much
44 jfrater
December 23rd, 2008 at 12:10 pm
TomCat (27): ah – but when no one can beat you at trivial pursuit – it makes it all worthwhile
45 jake ryder
December 23rd, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Very good. Truly a list I knew nothing about. Again the reason I come to this site is to read stuff like this and get more smarter like.
46 Callie
December 23rd, 2008 at 12:28 pm
jake you must has nice, good teecher.
47 TomCat
December 23rd, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Screw all of you nerds. This must be the site where the high school losers all come together to impress each other with how much they know. Where is the next meeting being held? At a star trek convention.
48 RavinDave
December 23rd, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Pepi: Tell me more! I want to know all the constellations!
Homer Simpson: Well, that one’s Jerry, the cowboy. And that big
dipper-looking thing is Alan, the cowboy.
49 segue
December 23rd, 2008 at 1:14 pm
40. Randall:…Dolt.
****
Randall,
You must have missed the memo. The new, approved, LV pejorative is “asshat”. Like LV’s famous “retart”, it is our very own.
One can be both a retart and an asshat at the same time. In fact, it’s quite common. Please feel free to use at will.
50 Callie
December 23rd, 2008 at 1:19 pm
we had a potluck at lunch for a floor-wide white elephant. someone brought in strawberry tarts. I’m not ashamed to say I retarted several times. Those were delicious tarts.
I’m also a fan of the word “twit”
“Asshat” reminds me of fark.
51 Randall
December 23rd, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Well… I LOVE asshat and use it frequently in my day-to-day speech, but it DOES also remind me of Fark (but surely that’s not altogether a bad thing) and I think, also, that it has a slightly different meaning from pejoratives like “dolt” and “moron” and such. To me an “asshat” is an ass, yes, but is also something closely akin to an “asshole”–i.e., someone who is not only in possession of upstairs lighting fixtures tha are a tad dim, but also said person is a bit of a dick, a jerk, a loudmouth, etc. etc. NOT as much as a true “asshole,” but something close to that. Otherwise, why have two separate words? This is the beauty of the English language… so many wonderful nuances.
I do love “retart”… though for me it’s kind of a toss up between that and “r-tard.” “Retart,” however, has that wonderful innocent quality to it that could just mean, as Callie says, that you’ve gone back and had a second helping of those wonderfully delicious tarts. The absurdity appeals to me.
I agree, though, that many people are often retarts, asshats, twits, assholes, dolts, morons and dipshits… all at once. Sad really, but there it is.
52 segue
December 23rd, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Callie & Randall: I too love the English language, the wonderful way words can be put together to form new words, or letters added to old words to create new, absurd, wonderfully useful words which never existed before.
As to asshat reminding one of Fark, no, that’s not a bad thing at all. Both words are useful, no reason both should not exist and be used.
Randall, the absurdity of retart, and the reason for its existence (an absurdity in itself), make it a favorite of mine. I know I’ll be using it forever.
53 Callie
December 23rd, 2008 at 2:01 pm
I really only use it on here though. Otherwise people think I’m an r-tard.
Man, I love us.
54 Oh NOeeessss
December 23rd, 2008 at 3:32 pm
With lists’ like this, website traffic is sure to grow! ……….
55 segue
December 23rd, 2008 at 3:35 pm
I had to abandon my previous post before I was finished; I’m in the middle of Christmas baking, and the oven’s alarm was beckoning me.
Asshat, to me, is the polar opposite of asshole. The second gives rise to images of one who runs off endlessly at the mouth, with self-assured pats on the back because of his (imagined) endless store of knowledge.
Asshat , on the other hand, is like a covering, a “plug” if you will. Causing extreme mental constipation. A word or two may, will, escape but they may, or may not, actually be pertinent to the conversation at hand. After all, the words have been
This is a word I have been searching for, but nothing quite matched my need until now.
56 bigski
December 23rd, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Quit hinting around and just say it.I will in a poem.— Tom Cat is a ass hat—. just kiddin.
57 TomCat
December 23rd, 2008 at 3:56 pm
I have died and gone to nerd Hell. here they even have their own language that only their own little click understands. I hope you get that complete DVD version of The best of National geographic that you’ve always wanted.
58 DK
December 23rd, 2008 at 4:18 pm
@ TomCat (57) it’s “Clique”
If you don’t like this list, read another. If you don’t like any of the lists, find another website.
I think this list is really neat, I’ve always been into stars & space. When I was very young I wanted to be an astronaut, but then I learned what a black hole was and it scared me away. I have of course learned since then more about black holes & how they work. Thanks for a super cool list Copperdragon!
59 astraya
December 23rd, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Does anyone know the list in which the word “retart” was first used? Sometimes I feel like searching through every list to find the first use, and sometimes I don’t. Mostly I don’t.
Another thought. Most of the constellations are based on Greek/Roman astronomy with a large scattering of Arabic. Almost every culture has its own groupings and names. For example, in one Australian aboriginal culture, a and b Centauri are two cockatoos flying towards the gum tree of the southern cross. (I read that somewhere way back. It could be wrong information, or I might be misremembering.)
60 TomCat
December 23rd, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Hey DK,
I’ll visit whatever website I like. Screw you. If you don’t like my spelling then you go to another site. In the meantime insert the IC into your name since that what you are.
61 DK
December 23rd, 2008 at 4:50 pm
@ TomCat:
Actually, my name is intended to be pronounced as two letters “dee-kay” kinda like decay…and I’m sure that if you were to ask other users here, the ones that “know” me would certainly not refer to me in the way you are suggesting.
You obviously didn’t get the irony that was intended by the spelling correction, y’know, cuz you were calling us all nerds or whatever…so I acted like a one & corrected your spelling…get it?
62 Angelina
December 23rd, 2008 at 4:55 pm
For the record, kiwiboi (jfrater’s brother) introduced me to the word “asshat” on a list many months ago. I think I snorted when I read his comment.
63 TomCat
December 23rd, 2008 at 4:58 pm
You know, i think all you lames get is a bunch of high brow talking down to people not like you. thats a form of bullying which goes back to my earlier comment that you were all a bunch of high school losers that got bullied every day so now you think you’re turning the tables. The only difference is if we were in a pub I would like to see you talk your way out of punch in the face.
64 bigski
December 23rd, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Who made the command decision to make these constellations extinct ? That`s what I would like to know ! What make`s them less worthy than the one`s we have nowdays ? Please quit interrupting our nerd discussion T C.
65 segue
December 23rd, 2008 at 6:52 pm
I wonder what TC’s definition of a high school loser is?
I had a 4.0 gpa, was popular, a model, and neither got bullied nor bullied anyone.
Is that a loser?
66 TomCat
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:05 pm
segue,
no thats gay.
67 Matt Howard
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Hahaha @ TomCat,
There is nothing, NOTHING, as amusing as an internet tough guy who could no doubt “kick our punk asses you motherf&*%$s!!”.
Please, TomCat, no one thinks you’re tough. They don’t think you are a marine. They don’t think you can beat them up. Just go away. I know that you think people who find astronomy interesting are nerds, but I’m sure that when you are serving these intellectuals their fries at Mickey D’s you will have ample time to abuse them. Yeeeeeah, biatch, ima kik ur ass u punk, yeeeeeeah u don’t want none of dis, come git sum, punk asss biaatch.
68 TomCat
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:08 pm
it figures.
69 TomCat
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Matt Howard
name the time and place. until you do don’t say shit to me again.
70 Matt Howard
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:12 pm
@ TomCat
…are you for real? I’m mean honestly, are you serious?
Ahhhhh physical threats; the last refuge of a redundant intellect.
Go away TomCat. No one likes you.
71 DK
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Totally segue, you sound like a total loser! So do I though, I mean I was on cheerleading…they were losers too right?
TC-if we were in a pub, and I found myself with a need to talk my way out of a punch in the face, I’m sure my fiance would come to my rescue, and if not, then I’d like to see you talk your way out of the assault & battery charges you’d get brought up on.
Anyway, back to the topic: copperdragon, you are obviously well versed in Astronomy, can I put in a request for more lists like this? How about “10 well-known constellations & how to find them” Maybe a northern & southern hemisphere version, since obviously our Aussie & Kiwi readers won’t be able to see the big dipper. Oh! how about when/how to find the constellations that match the zodiac?!
72 DK
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:16 pm
@ post 67: Certain keywords will send a comment to be held in moderation til an admin can approve (or edit then approve) the comment. Most of those keywords are offensive or “curse” words.
73 MartinL
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Okay, everybody: listen up. TomCat is a troll. He lives only to be an obnoxious noise and ruin things for others; in no other way can he leave a mark in this world. Listverse gets them from time to time; they’re the rats fouling the Internet granary. Do not respond to him; do not engage in dialogue. He has no viewpoint worth responding to, any more than he has an education or a decent upbringing. Take a cue from the Amish. Shun him. If he gets too obnoxious, trust in JayFray, who after all has the final delete button; he’s used it before, I have faith he will again. We ARE nerds; we’re at the top of the Trivial Pursuit foodchain, and that’s as it should be. I love us too, damnit!
And I have to say I also thought the constellations on this list were “extinct” because their component stars had shifted since the days of their coinage. Odd to think that some group can decanonize what amounts to bits of history; something almost Orwellian about that. (But of course they remain part of the historical record, for the delectation of celestial antiquarians, I suppose.) I do like the idea of people crafting their own constellations. Why shouldn’t you see a Porsche up there? Cool!
74 Matt Howard
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Great response, MartinL. I actually feel a little bit dirty having engaged in such infantile banter. We all fall off the wagon from time to time
75 astraya
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:33 pm
MartinL: The same thing happened with Pluto a few years ago. “Some group” – aka the International Astronomy (?Astronomical) Union – decided on a definition of “planet” that effectively deplanetised Pluto.
76 sheltiesan
December 23rd, 2008 at 7:45 pm
WOW! Somebody was not having a very good day.
Anyway, a very interesting list. I have a hard time trying to see the constellations as others do (outside of the big and little dippers) But I still find them interesting when I read about them.
77 rushfan
December 23rd, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Awesome list! And don’t forget, if you love someone, name a star after them!
78 ViewARandomList…
December 23rd, 2008 at 8:14 pm
if you show just the stars, none of those constellations look anything like the title. This is proof that LSD was somehow produced naturally in the drinking water…
79 Cyn
December 23rd, 2008 at 8:32 pm
once more w/ feeling…
comments go into moderation based on word choice not commentor. words like ‘gay’ will put a comment into moderation ..no matter the context..because that is a possibly inflammatory or derogatory term. an admin must then review that comment and release it. whenever an admin happens by.
as for asshat ..i meant Tomcat or whatever the troll of the moment name is… i think the regulars here have taken him..it to task quite nicely. so ya’ll just keep up the good work. any comments that have just suddenly appeared ..i just now took out of moderation. so be sure to scroll up and catch up.
HAPPY HOLIDAZE!
and see! i used the g word and got moderated myself! had to release this comment. LOL
80 astraya
December 23rd, 2008 at 8:47 pm
My previous comment went into moderation and I’m wondering why.
cockatoo?
If so, what have you got against Austrlian birds?
admin comment-
think its just the c o c k that did it. not sure but…
Cyn
81 Vera Lynn
December 23rd, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Oh hahaha!!! The list was great; the comments better. You are all wonderful. I am a great fan of “retarted” as you all know. BTW I used to model too, segue, and I have only won a few times at Trivial Pursuit. I’d rather play chess. I have a chess set in my trunk at all times. How’s that for nerdy Plus I’m a Math teacher. I win the nerd contest.
I do algebra for fun when Im bored.
MartinL (73) I agree with you on both counts! Amen brother. Amen!!
82 TomCat
December 23rd, 2008 at 8:55 pm
You all have proven nothing except you are cowards. You think you are superior and smarter than the rest of us. i am not a troll nor am I stupid. this is a lousy list only appreciated by nerds. If you want to appreciate the stars simply go outside on a clear night and look up. all of you are losers because you hide behind a keyboard and look down on the rest of the world. FU CYN, DK, MATT etc. When words fail then the last refuge of the truth is a punch in the face. Remember that smartasses.
admin. note -
i’m letting this one stand folks. so have at it.
Cyn
83 Jim
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:03 pm
I liked reading up to number 8 Felis, and then having thing go right into Tofel. Its unfortunate that Tofel isn’t a constellation any more.
84 abcde
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:09 pm
@TomCat
LOL. If you hate the list, don’t read it, simple as that.
85 YogiBarrister
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Thanks Copperdragon, I learned something new today, I’m also relieved that extinct doesn’t mean what I thought it did. Constellations don’t interest me much, but I do love astronomy. I don’t know if we have a list for the greatest achievements of mankind, if so, the Hubble Telescope, the space station, landing on the moon and Mars have to be on it.
86 TomCat
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:24 pm
abcde,
You are simple as that. as i said before idiot, i’ll read want i want to so FU 2!
What makes all of you so smart bcause you can name the stars? Is that the type of employees you will hire? Does that make you worth more or more productive? why dont all of you grow up,put up or shut up.
87 copperdragon
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:30 pm
rushfan:
The sentiment of naming a star after someone is romantic – just don’t pay anyone to do it. If you and a loved one find a bright star you like, name it whatever you want.
“International Star Registry” and other companies that offer to name a star after a loved one are fraudulent scams. All they do is print a certificate for about US$50 indicating a star you can’t see naked-eye and couldn’t find with a telescope has been “named” after someone. They also “sell” the same stars over and over. They keep no records, and no scientist is going to use that name. You are better off printing your own certificate. It would be just as official.
The only group that can name astronomical objects is the International Astronomical Union, and they have already recorded the “official” (scientific) names for all stars down to 6th magnitude (naked-eye visibility), and several others depending on their attributes.
see this article on wired.com
http://www.wired.com/techbiz/media/news/2001/12/49345
or just google “star registry fraud”
88 Cyn
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:37 pm
86. TomCat -
i’m your worst nitemare asshat. your IP is logged. your email has been tagged. the internet courtesy police will be banging on your door momentarily. and they will rough you up.
TEACH YOU INTERNET MANNERS! and you will love it. and beg for more.
so assume the position asshat your gonna get yours.
and btw…i’m an admin here as in i administrate this site. so i really do know your email addy and IP.
now behave yourself or your comments will be going into the spam filter.
89 TomCat
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:42 pm
My worst nightmare….in your dreams! I will continue to post and rant about the stars, and whatever I want to.
90 copperdragon
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:43 pm
ViewARandomList:
There are a few constellations that really do look like what they are named – Leo the Lion, Scorpius the Scorpion and Delphinius the Dolphin are the easiest. Orion kinda does look like a person, but other cultures have seen a drum or a slim-waisted maiden.
The Big and Little Dippers obviously look like dippers, but they are not constellations (they are “asterisms” or partial constellations).
91 Cyn
December 23rd, 2008 at 9:56 pm
89. TomCat -
besides having no life and making annoying comments online..you have no sense of humor either.
anyway folks…
i’m outa here so unless this asshat is admin’ed by someone else tonite. its up to ya’ll to either shut him up or shout him down. unfortunately i can’t block his IP..only J can do that.
and it is the holidays..so i’m hoping regular community members will take up the slack and keep these kinda asshats in their place. unlike this one…we do have lives offline and intend to celebrate the season with family and friends. so if ya’ll get a break from your own real lives and holiday celebrations..help us keep an eye on the place.
and i’ll be popping in and out too.
HAPPY HOLIDAZE!
92 TomCat
December 23rd, 2008 at 10:05 pm
My sense of humor is off the chart. I just don’t get all this dry British humor. why would anyone want to block me unless they want to block my freedom of speech? Agree or don’t agree i still have a right to speak. Cowards. Just go outside, raise a glass or light one up and gaze. The real truth will be revealed.
93 Mr. Plow
December 23rd, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Tom,
As much as I love a good troll, a smartassed remark, or someone pointing out the uselessness of some topics…
You have no freedom of speech on a privately owned website like this. Freedom of speech (at least in the US constitution) is protection from the government…not webmasters. It’s their website, their prerogative. Jfrat’s house, Jfrat’s rules.
LV is not Something Awful, Toxic Junction, /b/, or Fark…so if you are going to disagree with the comments, you’ll have to intellectually defend yourself, or be held in the contempt that you deserve.
inb4 coward, elitist, or fascist.
94 Matt Howard
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:23 pm
@ TomCat,
How can you call us cowards? You come on here, call us nerds because we find something as fascinating as astronomy interesting, threaten to punch people in the face on the most anonymous communications medium in the world, and then cry about us suppressing your freedom of speech?!
No one likes you. You tried to act tough, got thoroughly embarrassed intellectually, and then played the tired old ‘it’s my right to act like a moron’ card.
Just go away. Simple. Go away. You think were nerds, fine. Go away.
95 DK
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:44 pm
@ MartinL: You are right, and I know this, I just sometimes have a hard time letting things go. I urge the others here to follow martinl’s lead & just simply ignore the troll. That’s what I will be doing (to the best of my ability at least).
96 YogiBarrister
December 24th, 2008 at 12:11 am
Check this out!
http://www.bigbendbookstore.org/store/images/97.jpg
What’s that constellation right behind Ursa Major? It looks like an asshat, must be the extinct constellation TomCat.
97 Skellieu
December 24th, 2008 at 1:10 am
Interesting.
Before reading this list, I thought that these constellations became extinct because some of their stars exploded of died. Good one.
98 Skellieu
December 24th, 2008 at 1:11 am
Exploded “OR” died, rather. Sorry for the typo.
99 Randall
December 24th, 2008 at 6:34 am
copperdragon:
We should collaborate on an astronomy list. (As you might know, I’m an amateur astronomer in long standing, myself, and volunteer at a local planetarium/observatory). I’ve thought many times of doing some kind of astronomy-related list, but I haven’t had the time. Anyway, let me know if you’re interested.
100 JK
December 24th, 2008 at 9:26 am
I agree with Gustor (no. 7). Its really exaggerated and merely a work of imagination. More like art, not science.
No offense to astronomy fans.
101 Stardust
December 24th, 2008 at 10:46 am
This one was pretty interesting. I was surprised. Thanks.
102 DK
December 24th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Randall-I hope you two do work on another/more astronomy lists! See my post #71 for a couple suggestions!
103 Anon
December 24th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
May I combine LV newspeak and extinct constellations to redesignate 10 as ‘Solitary Re-Turd’?
It surely sounds a fine corner of the universe that the late great Douglas Adams might have invented to exile certain e-brethren here who shall remain nameless, such as TomCat.
104 DK
December 24th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
I like it Anon:D
105 segue
December 24th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
71. DK:…TC…then I’d like to see you talk your way out of the assault & battery charges you’d get brought up on.
****
My husband is an ex-Air Force Major, still in top flight condition. He could do the “talking”.
****
103. Anon:…redesignate 10 as ‘Solitary Re-Turd’…to exile certain e-brethren here who shall remain nameless, such as TomCat.
****
hear! hear!
106 copperdragon
December 24th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
randall:
other than DK’s suggestions (which are interesting), do you have any ideas?
107 Anon
December 25th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
astraya, (15),
You cannot be Sirius!
– EXTINCT CONSTELLATION McENROE
108 astraya
December 25th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Ex Con McEnroe: On behalf of all 1980s tennis linesmen, I say “You never were even a star in the first place, let alone a constellation. Thank goodness you’re extinct, you jerk”.
I have made rough notes for an astronomy-themed list, to join my rough notes for just-about-everything-else-themed lists which may or may not ever see the light of day.
109 Emar
December 25th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Now, this list is becoming interesting.
110 bigski
December 25th, 2008 at 11:35 pm
Have the star`s moved around since all these extinct constellations were plotted ? I need to know.
111 segue
December 26th, 2008 at 9:11 am
107. Anon:…You cannot be Sirius!…
****
I think Sirius should have a sister star named Ennui.
112 iheartnationallampoons
December 26th, 2008 at 9:18 am
outer space is dumb!
113 Anon
December 26th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
iheartnationallampoons, (112),
“outer space is dumb!”
Maybe, but not as dumb as inner space between the ears though.
114 astraya
December 26th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
I think Sirius should have a sister star named Ennui.
I simply can’t be bothered replying to that!
115 segue
December 26th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
blaaaaat
116 Anon
December 26th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
segue,
You don’t mean McEnnui as seen from the pits of the planetarium, do you?
117 segue
December 26th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
The one who lobs a few meteors into the crowd when he gets his ire up? Yeah. That one.
118 copperdragon
December 26th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
bigski:
The stars move enough that new star charts have to be printed every 50 years or so. This is due to earth’s precession.
For an example, compare the placement of “the Kids” in Auriga (eta, epsilon, zeta Aurigae) against a chart from 100 years ago – they will be about 7 minutes forward (4h55.5m in 1908 vs. 5h02.5m in 2008).
119 Anon
December 26th, 2008 at 10:07 pm
copperdragon,
Fascinating. In fact just as terretrial maps have to be constantly redrawn to be fully accurate. I believe with the current rapid permanent ice-thaw this is even more so. Let’s hope we don’t get ‘celestial warming’ to throw the charts into confusion!
120 Chuck717
December 27th, 2008 at 3:36 am
Here’s an interesting fact.
The constellation Lacerta, named by an astronomer that I can’t recall, was almost named for a salamander, rather than a lizard.
I suppose the interesting thing about this was a coincidence that occurred while designing a fictional universe with a friend of mine. We had a concept of two alien races emergeing on a single world. One was descended from reptilian stock and the other from something not quite, but resembling salamanders.
Out of all the locations for thier world to be in we chose a star in Lacerta.
THEN we found out about the history.
Freaky. And it will eventually lead to a great line in a story further down the road, where a character will remark on this coincidence and muse, “Makes you wonder what the scouts will encounter in Scorpio.”
121 Anon
December 27th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Chuck 717,
I’m working on an idea relating natural history to human culture, so your info about the constellation Lacerta is most welcome.
I’d have to check out for full details, but salamanders also have an interesting superstitious connection. The European salamander has a brightly-coloured belly. It may be fiery red or glowing yellow. Presumably when threatened it rolls over and this warns a would-be predator it tastes nasty, which it does. Salamanders were often doscovered under the stones placed on top of the ashes of a fire. On account of their belly colour, they were believed to have been generated by the fire (cf. phoenix). Maybe they just like the slight warmth. This belief is reflected by the fact that in Chile we call woodstoves salamandras (the word almost certainly originating from Spain).
Scorpions, of course, are reputed to sting themselves to death under extreme threat, a point your galalactic scouts might bear in mind. In fact they don’t. It’s a myth. In the agony of being burnt to death by wicked children (little or grown-up) they twist and distort, so seeming to be stinging themselves.
122 Anon
December 27th, 2008 at 8:50 am
Hmmmm.
I see we don’t yet have a Top 10 Myths About Natural History.
There are two to be kicking off with!
123 segue
December 27th, 2008 at 9:34 am
Perhaps because they are the two most fascinating?
124 bigski
December 27th, 2008 at 10:46 am
copperdragon-Thank`s for the info. I didn`t know about the Earth`s precession. I learned something new everyday.
125 Error 404
December 27th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
By extinct, I thought constellations that had stars that burned out millions of years ago but were still visible due to the fact that it takes so long for their light to reach earth… Is there such a thing? I’m clueless about astronomy.
126 copperdragon
December 27th, 2008 at 10:19 pm
Error 404:
Its possible that in the 10,000 years or so that mankind has been recording star positions, that we might have lost a few of the dimmer stars, but so far none of the brightest ones that generally mark constellations’ shapes have disappeared.
Most stars become white or brown dwarf stars as they age and dim, making them even harder to see. If a bright star such as Sirius or Vega were to disappear overnight, it would certainly shake up the astronomy community, but so far it has not.
127 Randall
December 29th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Copperdragon:
Sorry, I’ve been travelling on and off over the holiday period. I’ll get back to you when things have settled.
128 Bob
December 29th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Taurus isn’t a winter constellation.
129 copperdragon
December 31st, 2008 at 8:49 am
Bob:
Taurus is visible in the Northern Hemisphere winter night sky (which I noted in the description above). It is already above the horizon after sunset facing East/Southeast. It will be high in the sky at 9pm facing due South.
It is visible in the Southern Hemisphere summer night sky.
Look due North not far above the horizon at 9:30pm local time.
130 Rasta
January 2nd, 2009 at 8:01 pm
Good list,interesting stuff.
131 Randall
January 7th, 2009 at 8:24 am
copperdragon:
I was thinking, some time back, of doing a list on Mysteries of the Solar System as well as something along the lines of The Most Amazing Spots or Sights on each planet (planetary astronomy is a favorite of mine). It’s harder to pin down subjects for lists in broader categories–I mean, The Ten Largest Known Stars was an idea I had a while back, but then it’s not a terribly interesting subject and there wouldn’t be much to say about it. Galaxies visible with a backyard telescope would be another… that might be more interesting. Or a list of visible planetary nebula.
Any thoughts?
132 GTT
January 13th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
TomCat… Wow… Someone needs to get their medicine checked…
88. Cyn : Hurray for the nerd police!
——————
copperdragon: I LOVED THIS LIST! However, I have to agree with a previous poster… Can you please write one with the most popular/easiest to see (both north and south!) I have never been able to recognize a constallation! (I live in Peru BTW)…
——————
122. Anon : YES!!!! I would love that list!
133 Cyn
January 13th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
132. GTT -
btw-
my skill level has been upped..so tread lightly.
134 Lk
October 28th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
@ lalacroft: Because stars also have a lifetime.
They are not in the universe forever.
135 Rigato
January 6th, 2010 at 11:10 am
Yes, Antinous was the lover of Emperor Hadrian, but you have your facts wrong.
The boy Zeus captured from the mountainside as an eagle to act as cupbearer and lover to him was named Ganymede. Ganymede was created by the gods as the most beautiful human alive.
Correct that factual error please XD
136 Rigato
January 6th, 2010 at 11:12 am
Another thing…that three headed snake you pictured as Cerberus is most certainly the Hydra, a multi-headed serpent destroyed by Heracles. Cerberus is a three headed DOG.