Starasterism

Starasterism is a term used to describe a perceived, often unintentional, alignment or pattern of stars in the night sky that resembles a recognizable shape or object. Unlike constellations, which are officially recognized by the International Astronomical Union and are based on historical and mythological interpretations of star groupings, asterisms are informal and can be subjective. They are often formed by a few bright stars within a larger constellation or by stars from multiple constellations.

Examples of prominent asterisms include the Big Dipper, which is part of the constellation Ursa Major, and the Summer Triangle, formed by the bright stars Vega, Deneb, and Altair, located in the constellations Lyra, Cygnus, and Aquila respectively. Many cultures have developed their own asterisms throughout history, often reflecting their local environment, beliefs, or practical needs. These informal star patterns can aid in navigation, timekeeping, and as mnemonic devices for learning the positions of constellations. The recognition of an asterism depends on the observer's location and the clarity of the night sky.