Motions: Western Constellations

Motions: Western ConstellationsIamotions pg 37

Constellations and Asterisms There are 88 recognized

constellations IAUMost are based on Greek mythology

The Big Dipper is *NOT* a constellation.It is a combination of stars within

constellationThese are called asterismsThe little dipper is an asterism too

Greek Mythology With less pollution, more stars were

visible to the naked eye

Constellations looked more like their namesakes

The motions of the constellations were used to explain and enhance their most popular stories

Hydra Longest and Largest Constellation 9 headed snake Slain by Hercules Covers over 3%

of the sky

Draco Wraps around the little dipper Circumpolar – can be seen from

anywhere in the northern hemisphere

Slain by Hercules

Centaurus Greatest number of stars – 101 Chiron – wise centaur

Wounded by Hercules

Leo the Lion Slain by Hercules (sensing a trend here?)

Hercules (Heracles) Greatest of Greek Heroes Figured prominently in many stories Strong but not very bright

Orion Large, Easy to Find On the celestial equator

Can be seen from all over the globe It is a winter constellation in the northern hemisphere Contains the asterism “the belt of Orion”

Also known as “the three kings” Sword contains the Orion Nebula

Scorpio (Scorpius) Associated with Orion the hunter

through legend Also located near the celestial

equator Summer constellation in northern

hemisphere Orion and Scorpio “trade

places”

Ursa Major and Ursa MinorUrsa Major Ursa Minor

Ursa Major and Minor

Southern Cross

Southern Cross (Crux) Australian Flag

The Plane of the Ecliptic Solar System like a disc Sun and Planets follow a line through

the sky The constellations that they pass

through are the astrological “signs"