Both terms constellation and galaxy are related to stars, but constellations are not real objects while galaxies are. Constellations are imaginary patterns. A galaxy, on the other hand, is made up of gas, dust, billions of stars, and their solar systems. What is a Constellation 2. What is a Galaxy 3.
Note: technically a constellation is a region of the sky so galaxies are not part of the constellation but they can be found within it’s boundaries.
Sometimes a galaxy may appear to reside inside a constellation, but this is because of our vantage point on Earth. The distance between them is millions of light years at times.
Due to this, the constellations are made up of stars from within our own galaxy, the Milky Way, as they are close enough to be seen with the naked eye. Light from individual stars in other galaxies is too dim to be seen without the use of a telescope.
What is the difference between a constellation and a galaxy?
A constellation is a recognizable pattern of stars in the night sky, while a galaxy is a system of billions of stars and their solar systems, gas, and dust, held together by gravity. The constellation is an imaginary pattern, while the galaxy is a real concept.
‘It is constellation, which causeth all that a man doeth.’; A galaxy is a gravitationally bound system of stars, stellar remnants, interstellar gas, dust, and dark matter. The word galaxy is derived from the Greek galaxias (γαλαξίας), literally, a reference to the Milky Way.
How many constellations are there in the universe?
Today, 88 constellations are recognized by astronomers. Until the 1930s, galaxies were not known as such, but as patches of stars residing in our galaxy. But when the distance to these patches was discovered, it quickly became apparent that they were a new type of object.
This of course begs the inquiry “Where are the Stars in the constellations located?”
Constellations contain stars that are easy to pick out in the night sky. Due to this, the constellations are made up of stars from within our own galaxy, the Milky Way, as they are close enough to be seen with the naked eye.