Asterisms

Asterisms are patterns of stars in the night sky that are not officially recognized as constellations. They are often formed by groups of stars that, when connected, create a recognizable shape or figure. For example, the Big Dipper, part of the constellation Ursa Major, is a well-known asterism. Asterisms can vary in size and complexity and are often used by stargazers to navigate the sky or to identify surrounding constellations. While they can be historically or culturally significant, asterisms are informal groupings, unlike the standardized constellations established by astronomers.