Constellations

The Bears• Ursa Major

Ursa MajorLarge Bear

• Third largest constellation.

• At 40 latitude, it is always visible in the night sky.

• Contains the asterism, the Big Dipper

Ursa MinorLittle Bear

• Also known as the little dipper.• Contains Polaris, or the North Star.• The four stars comprising the bowl are of 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th

magnitude. This provides a practical reference for what stars are visible in the night sky.

Cepheus - The King

In Greek mythology, Cepheus was a King of Ethiopia. He was husband to Cassiopeia and father to Princess Andromeda

PleiadesThe Seven Sisters

Pleiades

• Part of Taurus, cluster of stars. Using the belt of Orion to locate the Pleiades

TaurusThe Bull

Marks the location of the Sun during the spring equinox

• Can you locate Pleiades?

CassiopeiaThe Queen

- Distinctive “W” shape

• Can you locate The King?

OrionThe Great Hunter

• Orion with Taurus

GeminiThe Twins

Can you find Orion and Canis Minor?

Canis MajorThe Hunting Dogs

Canis MinorThe Hunting Dogs

Andromeda - The Princess

Hercules

CruxSouthern Cross

Constellations Test

• Memorize the common and Latin names of these 12 constellations.

• Test will be on October 17th