(thing) by jesler Mon Jun 25 2001 at 15:26:13
The first extensive list of the constellations as seen from Earth was compiled by Ptolemy around 140 AD. Ptolemy's star catalogue contained only 48 constellations, as much of the sky in the southern hemisphere could not be seen at the time.
The list of constellations now has 88 internationally recognised entries. They are as follows:


Name - Meaning

A
Andromeda - Daughter of King Cephaus
Antlia - Pump
Apus - Bird of Paradise
Aquarius - Water Carrier
Aquila - Eagle
Aries - Ram
Auriga - Charioteer

B
Bootes - Herdsman

C
Caelum - Chisel
Camelopardalis - Giraffe
Cancer - Crab
Canes Venatici - Hunting Dogs
Canis Major - Greater Dog
Canis Minor - Lesser Dog
Capricornus - Goat
Carina - Ship's Keel
Cassiopeia - Mother of Andromeda
Centaurus - Centaur
Cepheus - King of Ethiopia
Cetus - Whale
Chamaeleon - Chameleon
Circinus - Dividers
Columba - Dove
Coma Berenices - Berenice's Hair
Corona Australis - Southern Crown
Corona Borealis - Northern Crown
Corvus - Crow
Crater - Cup
Crux - Southern Cross
Cygnus - Swan

D
Delphinus - Dolphin
Dorado - Swordfish
Draco - Dragon

E
Equuleus - Foal
Eridanus - River Eridanus

F
Fornax - Furnace

G
Gemini - Twins
Grus - Crane

H
Hercules - Hercules
Horologium - Clock
Hydra - Water Serpent
Hydrus - Water Snake

I
Indus - Indian

L
Lacerta - Lizard
Leo - Lion
Leo Minor - Lion Cub
Lepus - Hare
Libra - Scales
Lupus - Wolf
Lynx - Lynx
Lyra - Lyre

M
Mensa - Table
Microscopium - Microscope
Monoceros - Unicorn
Musca - Fly

N
Norma - Rule

O
Octans - Octant
Ophiuchus - Serpent Holder
Orion - The Hunter

P
Pavo - Peacock
Pegasus - Winged Horse
Perseus - Son of Zeus
Phoenix - Phoenix
Pictor - Easel
Pisces - Fishes
Piscis Austrinus - Southern Fish
Puppis - Ship's Poop
Pyxis - Ship's Compass

R
Reticulum - Net

S
Sagitta - Arrow
Sagittarius - Archer
Scorpius - Scorpion
Sculptor - Sculptor
Scutum - Shield
Serpens - Serpent
Sextans - Sextant

T
Taurus - Bull
Telescopium - Telescope
Triangulum - Triangle
Triangulum Australe - Southern Triangle
Tucana - Toucan

U
Ursa Major - Greater Bear, Plough
Ursa Minor - Lesser Bear

V
Vela - Ship's Sail
Virgo - Virgin
Volans - Flying Fish
Vulpecula - Little Fox
I like it!