Objective – Describe the appearance and apparent motion of groups of stars in the night sky relative to Earth and
how various cultures have understood and used them.
Constellation Unit Notes – Key
1. Define constellation.
An imaginary picture in the sky made up of stars, representing a person,
animal, or thing.
2. List three reasons why constellations were created.
a. Calendar – identified seasons; farmers used for planting/harvesting
crops.
b. Religion – identified heroes and events from mythology to remind
people.
c. Navigation – help find where you are going.
3. Zodiac
a. Definition – “A circle of animals”
b. Number – 12 (really 13)
c. List of Zodiac constellations – Aries (Ram), Taurus (Bull), Gemini
(Twins), Cancer (Crab), Leo (Lion), Virgo (maiden), Libra (scales), Scorpius
(Scorpion), Sagittarius (Archer centaur), Capricornus (Water Goat), Aquarius
(Water Bearer), Pisces (Fish), and Ophiuchus (Serpent Bearer).
c. Why are Zodiac constellations important? – Path through the stars which
the Sun, Moon, and planets move.
4. Circumpolar Constellations
Star.
a. Why are constellations important? – Are found revolving around the North
b. When visible? – All year long.
c. List of circumpolar constellations – Ursa Minor (Little Bear); Ursa Major
(Big Bear; Big Dipper), Cassiopeia, Cepheus, Draco.
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Objective – Describe the appearance and apparent motion of groups of stars in the night sky relative to Earth and
how various cultures have understood and used them.
5. Distance to stars in constellations.
a. Are all stars in a constellation the same distance from Earth? No. The stars
in a constellation are different distance from Earth.
6. Why do we see different constellations during the evening?
a. The Earth rotates
b. Define rotation – An object turning on its axis.
7. Why do we see different constellations each season?
a. Earth revolves around the Sun.
b. Define revolution – One object orbiting another in space.
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