The History of modern constellations
with Abby Sheffar, University of Victoria
The night sky is filled with familiar patterns, but many of the constellations we recognize today are far more recent than most people realize. This talk explores the fascinating history of modern constellations—from the ancient star figures of Greece, Egypt, and Mesopotamia to the Age of Exploration. Discover how mythology, science, navigation, and culture shaped the celestial map we use today, why some constellations disappeared while others became official, and how the modern list of 88 constellations was finally standardized.
Abby Sheffar is a second-year physics and astronomy student at the University of Victoria. She has been a dedicated volunteer with the Centre of the Universe for three years and is now working as the Summer Research Student at the National Research Council. She is passionate about making astronomy accessible to audiences of all ages and sharing her enthusiasm for the wonders of the universe.
Tickets available on Tuesday July 7, 2026 at 5pm, and will be found below.