Question

Write short notes on constellations.

Answer 1

1. A constellation is a recognizable pattern of stars in the night sky when viewed from the Earth.
2. International Astronomical Union has classified 88 constellations to cover the entire celestial sphere.
3. Many of the old constellations have Greek or Latin names and are often named after mythological characters.
4. Ursa Major (Saptha Rishi Mandalam) is a large constellation and it covers a large part of the sky.
5. The most striking feature of this constellation is a group of seven bright stars known as big dipper (seven Sages in Indian astronomy).
6. Ursa Minor in Lattin means ‘the little bear’ it lies in the northern sky.
7. The Pole star – Polaris (Dhrua) lies within this constellation.
8. The main group, ‘little dipper’, consists of seven stars and is quite similar to that found in Ursa Major.