Asterisms are patterns of stars (similar to constellations) that are either part of a constellation or entirely separate. They are as old as the constellations, and as well known, but are not recognised as official constellations.
The most famous asterism is the plough or big dipper. This asterism consists of a group of stars, which make up the constellation of Ursa Major. Some asterisms span multiple constellations.
Like the constellations, asterisms date back to the dawn of mankind. The only difference between a constellation and an asterism is that a constellation is a name given to an officially recognised asterism. There are 88 constellations that divide the entire sky all the others are asterisms.
Big Dipper Asterism🔷
The most famous of all asterisms is formed by the stars Dubhe (α UMa), Merak (β UMa), Phecda (γ UMa), Megrez (δ UMa), Alioth (ε UMa), Mizar (ζ UMa) and Alkaid (η Uma).
Diamond of Virgo🔷
Spring is marked by the Diamond of Virgo consisting of Arcturus (α Bootis), Spica (α Virginis), Denebola (β Leo), and Cor Caroli (α Canum Venaticorum). An East-West line from Arcturus to Denebola forms an equilateral triangle with Cor Caroli to the North (Spring Triangle), and another with Spica to the South. Together these two triangles form the Diamond. The Diamond is too large to be seen all at once as it spans both north and south hemisphere.
Great Square of Pegasus🔷
The Great Square of Pegasus is the quadrilateral that forms the body of the winged horse. It may be glimpsed in its entirety on autumn nights.
Heavenly G🔷
Nine bright stars forming a G-shaped group. Seven of these stars are of 1st magnitude. Aldebaran (α Tau), Capella (α Aur), Castor (α Gem), Pollux (β Gem), Procyon (α CMi), Sirius (α CMa), Rigel (β Ori), Bellatrix (γ Ori) and Betelgeuse (α Ori)
Hydra Head🔷
Built by Mautinah (δ Hya), Ashlesha (ε Hya), Hydrobius (ζ Hya), η Hya, ρ Hya and Minchir (σ Hya).
Keystone Asterism🔷
The four central stars in Hercules, ε ζ η and π
Lozenge Asterism🔷
A small diamond formed from three stars, Eltanin (γ Dra), Grumium (ξ Dra), and Rastaban (β Dra), in the head of Draco and ι Herculis in the foot of Hercules.
Northern Cross🔷
Northern Cross consists of part of the constellation Cygnus. The upright runs from Deneb (α Cyg) in the Swan's tail to Albireo (β Cyg) in the beak. The transverse runs from Gienah (ε Cyg) in one wing to δ Cyg in the other.
Orion's Belt🔷
Another famous asterism, the Orion's Belt is formed by the stars Alnitak (ζ Ori), Alnilam (ε Ori) and Mintaka (δ Ori).
Orion's Scabbard🔷
Orion's scabbard is actually the Nebulae M42 and M43, The Great Orion Nebula.
The Sickle🔷
The sickle is formed by the stars making Leo's head, α Leo, η Leo, γ Leo, ζ Leo, mu Leo and ε Leo.
Summer Triangle🔷
Triangle of Deneb (α Cygni), Altair (α Aquilae), and Vega (α Lyrae) is easily recognized as its three stars are all of the 1st magnitude. The stars of the Triangle are located in the band of the Milky Way, which marks the galactic equator.
Teapot Asterism🔷
The bow and arrow of the Archer Sagittarius also make a well-formed Teapot. There is even a bit of nebulosity near the "spout" to serve as steam.
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