Constellations are groups of stars that form recognizable patterns in the night sky. These patterns have been used for centuries by different cultures to navigate, tell stories, and mark the changing seasons. Each constellation is made up of stars that may be far apart from each other in space but appear close together from our viewpoint on Earth. There are 88 officially recognized constellations, as defined by the International Astronomical Union. Some well-known examples include Orion, Ursa Major, and Cassiopeia. Constellations can also help astronomers locate specific stars and celestial objects, making them important for both navigation and scientific study.