88 Constellations

The 88 Constellations project is a collection of free, high resolution, downloadable images of all 88 western IAU-recognized constellations. The project also includes the release of the largest open-source, freely available all-sky photo of the night sky.

All constellations linked below include a comprehensive description of the constellation and its historic origins, as well as the corresponding standardized stick figure, outline drawing, finder chart and description of the constellation’s most prominent deep-sky objects. Existing astronomical images of such deep-sky objects, captured with various NSF NOIRLab telescopes, are also included. Downloadable flash cards and other audiovisual and educational materials make it easy to bring the constellations into the classrooms.

The photographer behind this collection of stunning, high-quality images is German astrophotographer Eckhard Slawik. The images were taken on film and each panel comprises two separate exposures, one with and one without a diffuser filter to allow the stars’ colors to shine through.

The 88 Constellations images are open for exploration by all ages, and are especially suitable for use in planetariums and museums. Use the links below to become familiar with all 88 constellations and see how many you can spot in your night sky!