How many constellations are recognized by astronomers today?

Astronomers recognize a total of 88 constellations today. This standardized list was established by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 1922 and is still in use. These constellations cover the entire sky as viewed from Earth, and they serve various purposes, such as helping astronomers navigate the night sky and providing a common language for discussing celestial locations. Each constellation has its own set of stars and is often associated with various mythologies and cultural stories throughout history. The number 88 encompasses both the well-known constellations visible in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres and those that are less familiar to the general public. Understanding that there are 88 constellations helps to have a clearer framework for studying the stars and celestial navigation.