Wednesday 17 October 2012

Starry, starry night

What are constellation?

Constellation are a group of stars that seem to be resemble something familiar to those who named them. They are not real objects but are just patterns that we see in the sky. Constellation have imaginary boundaries formed by connecting the stars. All of the stars within those boundaries labelled with the name of that constellation. It is an internationally defined area of the celestial sphere.


Importance of constellation

1) Farmers          - to remind them of planting and harvesting seasons.
2) Astronomers   - to map the sky.
3) Explorers        - for navigation and determine the direction especially on the ocean.


Examples of constellations
1) Southern Cross
Is a well known cross-shaped southern hemisphere constellation.
Southern Cross show the south pole.
2) Big Dipper
Big Dipper is a group of seven bright stars that forms a pattern of a handle and bowl.
Big Dipper shows the north pole.
* Big Dipper and Southern Cross can be seen between April and June.

3) Scorpion
Scorpion contains many bright stars.
The brightest star in Scorpion is Antares.
It can be seem clearly with its head, long body, tail, and stinger between June and August.
4) Orion
Orion can be seen clearly as a hunter with a belt and sword between December and February.


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