Zodiac constellations are constellations that lie along the plane of the ecliptic.
The ecliptic, or the apparent path of the Sun, is defined by the circular path of the Sun across the sky, as seen from Earth. In other words, the Sun appears to pass through these constellations over the course of a year.
The passage of the Sun through the zodiac is a cycle that was used by ancient cultures to determine the time of year. Most of the planets in the solar system have orbits that take them near the ecliptic plane, within about 8 degrees above or below.
The 12 constellations in the zodiac family can all be seen along the ecliptic. They are: Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpius, Sagittarius, Capricornus, Aquarius and Pisces.
(“ram”) is the 11th biggest zodiac constellation, and the 39 largest constellation overall, taking up a 1.1% area of the sky. In the northern hemisphere, it is visible between winter and spring, although best seen during the month of December.
(“bull”) is the 6th biggest zodiac constellation, and the 17th largest constellation overall, taking up a 1.9% area of the sky. In the northern hemisphere, it is visible during the autumn and winter time, although best seen during the month of January.
(“twins”) is the 8th biggest zodiac constellation, and the 30th largest constellation overall, taking up a 1.2% area of the sky. It is visible during the winter to spring time from northern hemisphere locations, although best seen during the month of January.
(“crab”) is the 9th biggest zodiac constellation, and the 31st largest constellation overall, taking up a 1.2% area of the sky. It is visible during autumn to spring from northern hemisphere locations, although best seen during the month of March.
(“lion”) is the 3rd biggest zodiac constellation, and the 12th largest constellation overall, taking up a 2.3% area of the sky. It is visible during the winter to spring time from northern hemisphere locations, although best seen during the month of April.
(“virgin”) is the largest zodiac constellation, and the 2nd largest constellation overall, taking up a 3.1% area of the sky. It is visible during the spring and summer time from northern hemisphere locations, although best seen during the month of May.
(“weighing scales”) is the 7th biggest zodiac constellation, and the 29th largest constellation overall, taking up a 1.3% area of the sky. It is visible during the spring and summer time from northern hemisphere locations, although best seen during the month of June.
(“scorpion”) is the 10th biggest zodiac constellation, and the 33rd largest constellation overall, taking up a 1.2% area of the sky. It is visible during the summer time from northern hemisphere locations, although best seen during the month of July.
(“archer”) is the 5th biggest zodiac constellation, and the 15th largest constellation overall, taking up a 2.1% area of the sky. It is visible during the autumn time from northern hemisphere locations, although best seen during the month of August.
(“sea-goat”) is the smallest of the 12 zodiac constellations, and the 40th largest constellation in the night sky overall, taking up a 1.0% area of the celestial heavens. It is visible during the summer and autumn time from northern hemisphere locations, although best seen during the month of September.
(“water-carrier”) is the 2nd biggest zodiac constellation, and the 10th largest constellation overall, taking up a 2.4% area of the sky. It is visible during the autumn and winter time from northern hemisphere locations, although best seen during the month of October.
(“fishes”) is the 4th biggest zodiac constellation, and the 14th largest constellation overall, taking up a 2.2% area of the sky. It is visible in the northern hemisphere between late summer and winter, although best seen during the month of November.