How many officially recognized constellations are there?

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The count of officially recognized constellations is 88, a standard established by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 1922. These constellations serve as a way to categorize and reference the various patterns of stars visible from Earth. Each of these constellations has specific boundaries that help astronomers locate objects in the night sky, and they often have rich histories and mythologies associated with them, tracing back to ancient civilizations.

The number 88 encompasses all constellations recognized, including those from various cultures around the world, such as the modern Western constellations and some that were officially recognized more recently. This classification helps ensure a universal understanding within the astronomical community, making communication about celestial positions and observations more straightforward.

The other numbers presented do not align with the internationally accepted total and can create confusion, as they do not reflect the formal classification recognized by astronomers.