Constellations vs. Astrology Signs

• Ecliptic Constellations = 13• Astrology Signs = 12

The Missing Sign: Ophiuchus, the Serpent Bearer

The Sun passes through this constellation, but it’s not an astrological sign

• Astrology assigns an equal amount of time for each constellation

Constellation

Number of Days

Capricornus 28

Aquarius 24

Pisces 38

Aries 25

Taurus 37

Gemini 31

Cancer 20

Leo 37

Virgo 45

Libra 23

Scorpius 7

Ophiuchus 18

Sagittarius 32

*Which constellations are bigger? Smaller?

But, based on the sizes of the constellations, the Sun spends different amounts of time in each.

The Ecliptic – Final Thoughts• All planets (except for one that is no longer a

planet) orbit on the same plane as the Sun

Plane (mathematical term): Means a flat two-dimensional surface

Question…• Is the amount of sunlight the same

each day?

The Apparent Path of the SunThink about it, what happens to the length of the day

during the summer? The winter?

Summer Winter= Longer Days = Shorter Days

Thinking Tilted

We’re tilted, so sunlight hits the Earth at different angles throughout the year.

Sun rises to different heights in the sky during each season

Apparent Path of the Sun

Highest – Summer Solstice (June 22)

Apparent Path of the Sun

Lowest – Winter Solstice (December 22)

Middle – Equinox (March 22 and September 22)