Constellations

1
Constellations

• The Mythology, History, Use of the Stars

2
Mythology

• Myths collectively, the body of stories
  associated with a culture, institution, or person
• The study of myths

3
Ethiopia
4
Cassiopeia
5
Definitions

• Star Celestial body appearing as luminous point
  in night sky
• Constellation Group of fixed stars

6
Constellations are

• Not real
• Composed of stars that may not be anywhere near
  each other
• Circumpolar or seasonal
• Changing
• Clearly defined

7
Cassiopeia Constellation
8

• Uncertain which Ancient Peoples grouped star
  constellations first
• 4000 BCE Sumerians
• 600 BCE Greeks recognized 48 constellations
• Arabs, Egyptians, and Babylonians recognized the
  same constellations

9

• Cassiopeia one of 29 constellations in Northern
  Celestial Pole hemisphere
• Lies directly opposite of Northern Polaris with
  Big Dipper

10
Cassiopeias Stars
11
Constellation Uses

• Myths of ancient people
• Maps for sailors and explorers
• Maps for plotting times and dates
• Indicated seasons for farmers and planters
• Constellations still in use today

12
Ancient Star Map c1750
13
Modern Star Map
14
(No Transcript)
15
(No Transcript)