Circumpolar constellations

When we talk about the constellations of the firmament we can analyze different types. One of the less known but very important types are the circumpolar constellations. This is a type of constellation that many people are unaware of, but which is of great importance. They are located at a distance of less than 30 degrees from the square of the geographic North Pole or the geographic South Pole. One of the best-known stars in this constellation is the North Star, which belongs to the Little Bear.

In this article we are going to explain everything you need to know about the circumpolar constellations and their importance.

Characteristics of the stars and constellations

When we say we're analyzing constellations, we're referring to a group of stars that are arbitrarily connected to each other and have a special characteristic. They are located by imaginary lines and lines that are capable of forming a figure, silhouette, or the shape of objects, people, or an abstract drawing. There are numerous types of constellations depending on the shapes and number of stars that comprise them. There are some constellations that have a shape more than 200 stars although they usually have a little less.

Some are easy to recognize in the sky thanks to the brightest stars that belong to the same constellation and are called alpha stars. The stars of one constellation can be part of others and are divided into different types. Most constellations are classified depending on the situation in the sky. We have the boreal constellations, the southern constellations, the zodiacal constellations and the circumpolar constellations.

The constellations of the zodiac are very well-known as they also hold great significance for the zodiac signs and for great mythological stories. Circumpolar constellations are those that are at least 30 square degrees from the geographic North Pole or the geographic South Pole. They are the closest to the poles. One of the most famous stars that belongs to these constellations in the world is the North Star, which can be seen in the polar Star.

Circumpolar constellations of the northern hemisphere

Source: astronomiaparatodos.com

Let's analyze the 8 circumpolar constellations belonging to the Arctic Circle, which are located at the North Pole and the northernmost areas.

Great Bear: It is the constellation also known as Ursa Major, due to its Latin name. It is the most famous in the entire firmament. It can be seen throughout the year in the northern hemisphere and consists of about 209 stars, 18 of which are major. Great Bear It is a fascinating constellation that offers much more than just its shape.
Little Bear: This is another of the world's best-known constellations and one of the most representative of the Northern Hemisphere. It has only seven stars that form the silhouette of a wheelbarrow or cart, which is why it is also called the constellation of the chariot. It is located in the Northern Hemisphere and houses the North Star, which helps to constantly point to the geographic North Pole and is impossible to observe from the Southern Hemisphere.
Cassiopeia: This is one of the constellations included in Ptolemy's main catalog. It is a constellation formed by five main stars in the shape of an M or W, with their ends pointing toward the northern pole star. This constellation belongs to the group of 5 modern astronomical constellations, and you can learn more about it at This article about Cassiopeia. It is found in the northern circumpolar sky.
North Pole Star: It is the luminous star that was close to the geographic North Pole. Currently, we see that this position is covered by the star Polaris, also known as Alpha Ursa Minoris. It belongs to the constellation Ursa Minor and is the brightest of them all. Its importance lies in the fact that it guides navigators.

Circumpolar constellations of the southern hemisphere

In the southern hemisphere, the circumpolar constellations are also called meridian constellations, and there are only six constellations that manage to figure prominently in the hemisphere. Let's analyze each of them:

Crux: It is known as the Southern Cross constellation, and is one of the most famous constellations of the south pole. It is used to locate the south celestial pole, extending to the brightest star. The brightest star in this constellation is called Acrux. This constellation is composed of four main stars and is the smallest of all the constellations in the sky today.
carina: It is one of the best known constellations for previously forming a large constellation of the Nave Argos. It was divided into 4 other small constellations known by the names of Vela, Puppis, Pyxis and Carina. This constellation has the second brightest star in the entire sky. It is known by the name of Alpha Carinae. Within this constellation is the star Canopo. This name comes from the navigator of Menelaus, the king of Sparta.
South Pole Star: It is currently known by the name of the Great Meridian Star. This means it is located in the southern hemisphere, specifically in the area closest to the geographic South Pole. Although this star is not very visible, it should be viewed within the constellation of the Southern Cross. It has an important star known as Polaris Australis.

Some curiosities

Circumpolar constellations have some interesting features, such as the fact that we can always see them. They can be observed at any time of day, if it weren't for the sun. Furthermore, they can be viewed at any time of year. They are so named because they are found in the hemispheres near the poles and revolve around the North Star.

Due to the terrestrial rotation of our planet it gives us the sensation that the sky also revolves around the celestial poles. This makes us see that the stars appear to make a complete turn every 24 hours. In this turn we also include the pole star, although it is not located exactly at the north celestial pole. However, it describes a circumference around the pole that is practically negligible.

Depending on the latitude we are at now, some stars will write an arc in the sky, while others will describe a circumference around the celestial pole, these are the circumpolar constellations.