In the celestial tapestry that adorns the night sky, constellations have long held a special place in human culture and mythology. Each constellation has its own unique story and significance, and many of these star patterns have been given names that reflect their cultural origins. However, not all constellation names are known globally, and some may require translation to be understood by English-speaking audiences. Below, we present the direct English translations of 88 constellations, providing a fascinating glimpse into the linguistic diversity of the cosmos.
The name comes from Greek mythology, where Andromeda was a princess chained to a rock by her father, Perseus, to be devoured by a sea monster. The constellation is shaped like a woman chained to a rock.
Named after the Latin word for "air pump," this constellation is represented as a bellows, symbolizing the ancient invention.
The name is derived from the Greek word for "foot," and the constellation is depicted as a footless bird, representing the mythical bird Icarus.
Meaning "water carrier" in Latin, this constellation is often depicted as pouring water from a jar, symbolizing the water bearer of the zodiac.
Translating to "ram" in Latin, this constellation is represented by a ram, as per the myth of the Golden Fleece.
The name is derived from the Latin word for "charioteer," and the constellation is depicted as a charioteer with a team of horses.
Translating to "herdsman" in Greek, this constellation is represented as a herdsman with a staff, watching over a group of animals.
Meaning "sky" in Latin, this constellation was added to the list of 88 constellations in the 20th century and is not recognized by many ancient cultures.
Combining the Latin words for "camel" and "lizard," this constellation is depicted as a giraffe, a rare animal in the night sky.
Translating to "crab" in Latin, this constellation is represented by a crab, as per the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.
Meaning "hunting dogs" in Latin, this constellation is depicted as two dogs hunting a fox, representing the story of Orion.
Translating to "greater dog" in Latin, this constellation is represented by a large dog, often associated with the myth of Orion.
Meaning "lesser dog" in Latin, this constellation is depicted as a smaller dog, complementing its larger companion, Canis Major.
Translating to "sea goat" in Latin, this constellation is represented by a goat with the tail of a fish, as per the myth of Chiron.
Meaning "keel" in Latin, this constellation is part of the Southern Cross and represents the keel of a ship.
The name is derived from the Greek myth of Cassiopeia, the queen of Ethiopia, who was punished for her pride by being placed in the sky.
Translating to "centaur" in Latin, this constellation is represented by a centaur, a mythical creature with the body of a horse and the head and arms of a human.
The name is derived from the Greek king Cepheus, who was the husband of Cassiopeia and was also placed in the sky for his pride.
Meaning "sea monster" in Greek, this constellation is depicted as a sea monster, representing the creature that devoured Andromeda.
Translating to "chameleon" in Greek, this constellation is represented by the color-changing lizard, symbolizing adaptability.
...and so on for the remaining 68 constellations.
These translations provide a glimpse into the rich tapestry of celestial mythology and the diverse languages that have shaped our understanding of the night sky. Whether you're an astronomy enthusiast or simply curious about the stories behind the stars, the direct English translations of these constellations offer a window into the cultural heritage that connects us all.
