Constellation Names and Abbreviations

History and Mythology Constellation list

Resources

The Constellations of
Johannes Hevelius

Polish astronomer Johannes Hevelius (1611-1687) from Gdansk (Danzig), known for his charts of the lunar surface, introduced seven constellations to the sky.  His star catalog, Prodromus Astronomiae was published by his wife in 1690, three years after his death.  It was in this catalog that he included the seven new constellations: 

Canes Venatici, the Hunting Dogs
Lacerta, the Lizard
Leo Minor, the Small Lion
Lynx
Scutum, the Shield
Sextans, the Sextant
Vulpecula, the Fox 

All seven constellations are indistinct star groups which mainly fill out the sky between more distinct constellations.

Camelopardalis, the Giraffe was added to the sky by Hevelius although it was well established prior to his observations.  

Constellation Names and Abbreviations

History and Mythology Constellation list

Resources