80 Constellations Trivia Questions with Answers
80 public questions with answers, drawn from the well. How many can you answer?
Constellation trivia covers the named patterns astronomers use to map the sky, from familiar figures such as Orion and Ursa Minor to obscure southern constellations created during the age of exploration. Questions can test mythology, history, scientific objects, official abbreviations, and the origins of unusual names.
The set includes the Belgian astronomer Eugène Delporte, who established the modern constellation boundaries adopted by the International Astronomical Union, as well as the Triangulum Galaxy in Triangulum and the recurrent nova T Coronae Borealis in Corona Borealis. It also visits Lacaille’s Caelum, meaning the chisel, and Hevelius’s Lynx. This topic suits astronomy classes, stargazing groups, pub quizzes, and game nights where players enjoy a blend of recognizable star patterns and celestial history.
Which constellation is also known as the Little Bear?
Answer
Ursa Minor
Which constellation contains the Triangulum Galaxy, Messier 33?
Answer
Triangulum
Which constellation was created to represent a microscope?
Answer
Microscopium
Which constellation contains the recurrent nova T Coronae Borealis?
Answer
Corona Borealis
Which constellation contains the Tarantula Nebula?
Answer
Dorado
Which constellation's name is Latin for "dove"?
Answer
Columba
Which constellation has the official IAU abbreviation And?
Answer
Andromeda
Which constellation is represented by a little horse?
Answer
Equuleus
Which constellation is named after a little fox?
Answer
Vulpecula
Which constellation is named after a southern triangle?
Answer
Triangulum Australe
Which constellation represents a southern fish?
Answer
Piscis Austrinus
Which constellation is named after a pendulum clock?
Answer
Horologium
Which constellation is named after the hunting dogs of Boötes?
Answer
Canes Venatici
Which constellation is named after the northern crown?
Answer
Corona Borealis
Which constellation is named after a reticle or eyepiece?
Answer
Reticulum
Which constellation is represented by a cup or bowl?
Answer
Crater
Which zodiac constellation is associated with the crab?
Answer
Cancer
Which constellation is represented by two fish?
Answer
Pisces
Which constellation is named after the sculptor's workshop?
Answer
Sculptor
Which constellation is the serpent bearer?
Answer
Ophiuchus
Which constellation is named after the sea goat?
Answer
Capricornus
Which constellation is known as the Virgin?
Answer
Virgo
Which zodiac constellation is represented by a bull?
Answer
Taurus
Which constellation is named after a compass (drawing tool)?
Answer
Circinus
Which constellation is named after the air pump?
Answer
Antlia
Which constellation contains the Small Magellanic Cloud?
Answer
Tucana
Which constellation is known for its Teapot asterism?
Answer
Sagittarius
Constellations trivia — quick answers
What are good Constellations trivia questions?
Strong questions ask about a constellation’s nickname, abbreviation, creator, mythology, or notable deep-sky object. Examples include identifying the Little Bear, locating the Triangulum Galaxy, naming the astronomer who formalized modern boundaries, and recognizing the constellation represented by a chisel.
How hard is Constellations trivia?
Constellations trivia ranges from easy to difficult. Orion and the Little Bear are accessible to many players, while questions about Lacaille’s inventions, official IAU abbreviations, and variable stars require more astronomy knowledge. A basic sky guide helps, but the set also rewards historical familiarity.
How many official constellations are there?
There are 88 officially recognized constellations. The International Astronomical Union adopted the list in the 1920s and formalized the boundaries between them in 1930. These constellations cover the entire celestial sphere, so every direction in the sky belongs to one defined region.
Which constellation is known as the Little Bear?
Ursa Minor is the constellation known as the Little Bear. It is often identified by the Little Dipper, an asterism within its boundaries. Polaris, the North Star, lies near the end of the Little Dipper’s handle and marks the north celestial pole.
What is Orion’s official abbreviation?
The International Astronomical Union’s official three-letter abbreviation for Orion is Ori. IAU abbreviations provide a compact standard for referring to constellations in star catalogs, astronomical databases, charts, and scientific writing. Orion is one of the most recognizable constellations in the night sky.
Who established the modern constellation boundaries?
Belgian astronomer Eugène Delporte drew the boundaries used for the modern constellations. The International Astronomical Union adopted his work during the 1920s, and the boundaries were published in 1930. Unlike the irregular patterns formed by stars, these boundaries define precise areas across the celestial sphere.