Motions: Western Constellations Iamotions pg 37
Feb 23, 2016
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"