Is there a name for the "lines" that connect stars in a constellation?

There is no such name, that I am aware of. First of all, the "lines" aren't really there (which I suspect you already know, since you used quotation marks around the word in question). Second of all, as the first two answerers mentioned, the star patterns are the result of the imagination of ancient skywatching people.



Lastly, I'd like you to look at these two different representations of the constellation Hercules:



http://www.paulsastronomy.co.uk/sitebuil鈥?/a>

http://www.mediapolis.k12.ia.us/middle/m鈥?/a>



With the same grouping of stars, and the same constellation, and the same constellation name, two different people connect the stars differently. So, whether there is a name for these lines or not (and I have not been able to find any information on this) such lines are arbitrary and "in the eye of the beholder" anyway.Is there a name for the "lines" that connect stars in a constellation?constellation is an imaginary thing so actually no lines join the stars.

and if we imagine it, the lines are not called anything.Is there a name for the "lines" that connect stars in a constellation?
imaginaryIs there a name for the "lines" that connect stars in a constellation?The lines are something we draw to help us see a picture of the constellation; the lines in reality have no name.Is there a name for the "lines" that connect stars in a constellation?
No. The lines do not even have any formal recognition. All that is officially defined is the area of sky each constellation covers and the designation of various stars within the constellation (Alpha Orionis, Leo 42 and so on). If you look at different star charts you will find some differences in the placement of lines, simply because they are not standardised.Is there a name for the "lines" that connect stars in a constellation?The drawing that is made by the lines is called a "stick figure". So, if you really need a name, you could call them "sticks" (but you might have to explain why you use that name). I simply call them lines.



These are lines that are added on star maps to help people see the "figures" that help in identifying the region of sky.



Constellations were invented to help people find their way around the sky when observing. For example, if I am observing with other astronomers, and I say "Hey guys, look in Ursa Major", they will all turn in the correct direction without asking me "which way is that?". They will know which area of the sky I mean, even though we all know that there is not an actual bear there (Ursa Major is Latin for great bear).



If there is a non-astronomer in the group, I might have to show them the general direction and say, for example,



"Look at these 7 stars. They seem to form a large ladle with a curved handle. See, if you imagine a line going from this star to the next, then to the third one there, then go around the bottom and up on the other side. The imaginary lines will draw what looks like a big dipper." (a dipper is an object designed to pick up liquids).



If I have a star map with stick figures on it, that person will immediately see the shape as marked by the lines (see the first link). Although these lines do not exist in the sky, the ones on the map will help the person see the position of one star relative to the next.



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Go there:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ursa_Major



The entire constellation (the Great Bear) is the region inside the yellow dashed line. It is very difficult to see the figure of a bear in there, without the lines.

However, the portion called the Big Dipper is found very quickly, thanks to the stick figure.



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In the old days, they would show a full pictogram of a bear, like this one:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ursa_M鈥?/a>

Although it looks very nice, it is not as useful when you are looking at the sky, out in the field.



A stick figure, such as this one:

http://www.seds.org/Maps/Pics/ursamajor.鈥?/a>

is more useful. The lines still allow you to see where the "nose" of the bear is (to the right), where the front and back legs are. Note that the Big Dipper is only a part of the entire bear.



And the lines give you an idea of which way to go, from one star, if you want to identify the next one.Is there a name for the "lines" that connect stars in a constellation?
no.



there is no standard, in any case. compare different references, though most star charts nowadays are based on the figures drawn by h.a. rey in _the stars: a new way to see them_.