How many constellations covering the entire northern and southern sky are recognized by international Astronomical Union?

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ACC 122 CGAT Paper (Held in Feb 2020)
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  1. 88
  2. 89
  3. 78
  4. 79

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : 88

Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is 88.

Key Points

  • A constellation
    • Astronomers officially recognize 88 constellations covering the entire sky in the northern and southern hemispheres. Hence, Option 1 is correct.
    • Currently, 14 men and women, 9 birds, two insects, 19 land animals, 10 water creatures, two centaurs, one head of hair, a serpent, a dragon, a flying horse, a river, and 29 inanimate objects are represented in the night sky (the total comes to more than 88 because some constellations include more than one creature.)
    • It is important to realize that the great majority of star patterns bear little, if any, resemblance to the figures they are supposed to represent and whose name they bear.
    • The ancient constellation-makers probably meant for them to be symbolic, not literal, representations of their favorite animals or fabled heroes, a kind of celestial "Hall of Fame."