The Stars we see
Below is a list of some of the more common constellations visible in the northern hemisphere. Today, the sky is divided into 88 constellations. Some of them are easy to point out, while others are very difficult to see unless you are in a very dark location, far from the city lights, and have knowledge of the constellation you are looking for.
Aquila: The Eagle
Aquila was the name of the eagle that carried the thunderbolts of the god Zeus. The brightest star in this constellation is one of the 3 stars that make what is called the "Summer Triangle". The Triangle is seen passing overhead during the mid summer months.
Cassiopeia: The Queen
This is one of the more famous constellations in the sky. Not many know the name, but almost everyone will know the "W" in the sky. Cassiopeia is the wife of King Cepheus, and the mother of Andromeda.
Cygnus: The Swan
One of the largest constellations in the sky, Cygnus is seen in late August overhead, as if flying southward. The brightest star in Cygnus is another of the 3 making the "Summer Triangle".
Hercules: The Strongman
Hercules was the strongman of roman mythology who defeated the dragon "Draco". The stars here are faint, but in ancient times, a man could be seen kneeling, with his foot resting upon the head of the dragon.
Leo: The Lion
Given its name for when the sun passed through this constellation in mid-summer, and the lions would rest in the shade of a tree. The meteor shower in mid-November seems to radiate from the head (sickle shape) of Leo, thus we call them the "Leonids".
Lyra: The Lyre
Lyra is named after an ancient Greek instrument we now call a "Lyre". The brightest star of this constellation completes the "Summer Triangle".
Orion: The Hunter
Possibly the most recognized constellation in the world, Orion can be seen from northern latitudes in the winter months. Poised with his sword in one hand, and shield in the other, Orion is shown in battle position ready to fight the scorpion sent by the goddess Hera to kill him. Orion killed the scorpion, but not before the scorpion stung Orion. Now, both constellations are placed in opposite parts of the sky, Orion in the south in the winter and the scorpion in the south in the summer, so they would never do battle again.
Sagittarius: The Archer ("Teapot")
The original constellation is named for the Cenataur that battled the giant scorpion (Scorpius). The original constellation is so very hard to find that modern astronomers changed it to something more recognizable. Currently it is represented as a teapot, with a spoon and slice of lemon (from another constellation). The scorpion in this story is the same constellation as the Orion story, but represents a different mythology tale.
Ursa Major: The Great Bear
("Big Dipper" shown)
The Great Bear is one of the few constellations we call "circumpolar", which means that it never sets below the horizon. The "Big Dipper" the most recognizable group of stars in the northern hemisphere. Amature astronomers use the Big Dipper as a pointer to many of the sights we love to view.
Ursa Minor: The Little Bear
Also known as the "Little Dipper", this constellation contains Polaris, the star that we use as "true north". As seen from the northern hemisphere, when the constellations turn around the sky, they rotate around this point.