Constellations

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Constellations

• A. Constellations are groups of stars that appear
  to form some type of pattern in the sky.

• B. Most of the time stars, in a particular
  constellation, do not have a relationship with
  each other.

• C. Most constellations are named after Greek and
  Roman mythological figures.

• D. Astronomers have divided the sky into 88
  constellations.

• E. Constellations give stars specific location in
  the sky.

• Ex. 1. Polaris is in the handle of Ursa Minor.
  (Little Dipper)
• Ex. 2. Betelgeuse is in the right shoulder of
  Orion.

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Why are Constellations Useful?

• A. Used as landmarks to locate other objects in
  space.

• B. Were used by sailors and explores as a
  navigational tool.
• C. Used for entertainment.

Changes in the night-time sky

• A. Different solar objects can be seen at
  different times of the year.

• - Due to the Earths revolution around the Sun.

• - Ex. Orion can be seen in the winter and spring
  . Pegasus can only be seen in summer and fall.

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• B. Some Constellations can be seen all year long!

• 1.) Ursa Major Ursa Minor (Big Little Dipper)
  can be seen every night.

• C. There are two types of constellations

• 1.) Seasonal Constellations- Constellations that
  can only be seen during certain seasons (Due to
  earths revolution).

• 2.) Circumpolar Constellations- Constellations
  that can be seen every night of the year.

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3.) For the Northern Hemisphere the
constellations that can be seen every night are

• Ursa Major- The Great Bear

• Ursa Minor- The Little Bear

• Cassiopeia- The Queen

• Cepheus- The King

• Draco- The Dragon