Asterisms & Constellations Flashcards
(14 cards)
Asterisms
A recognizable pattern or group of stars in the night sky, not necessarily a part of an official constellation.
Asterisms difference from Constellations
Asterisms are smaller and informal compared to constellations, which are officially recognized by astronomers.
The Big Dipper
Part of the constellation Ursa Major.
The Summer Triangle
Made of stars from three constellations: Lyra, Aquila, and Cygnus.
The Northern Cross
Found in the constellation Cygnus.
Uses of Asterisms
Help with navigation and identifying constellations. Easy to recognize and locate in the sky.
Constellations
A group of stars that form a recognizable pattern or shape in the sky, officially recognized by astronomers.
Number of Constellations
There are 88 officially recognized constellations in the sky.
Uses of Constellations
Help in navigating the night sky. Aid in locating celestial objects like stars and planets. Serve as reference points for astronomers.
Orion
Known as ‘The Hunter,’ one of the most famous constellations.
Ursa Major
Contains the Big Dipper asterism.
Ursa Minor
Contains the Little Dipper asterism.
Scorpius
Resembling a scorpion, visible in the summer months.
Cultural Significance of Constellations
Different cultures have their own constellations and myths based on star patterns.