If we see at the sky for some time at night, then we will observe some stars forming groups with shapes. So, the shape formed by the group of stars is called a constellation diagram. The shapes of constellations resemble objects familiar to those people. Each constellation is signified by an animal, a human being, or some other objects it appears to resemble. All the constellations seem to move in the sky from east to west. This is due to the rotation of the earth on its axis from west to east.
1. CONSTELLATION DIAGRAM: MAN
SHOULD KNOW HOW TO FIND ITS
SCIENCE BLOG – CONSTELLATION
DIAGRAM
INTRODUCTION
If we see at the sky for some time at night, then we will observe some stars forming groups with shapes.
So, the shape formed by the group of stars is called a constellation diagram. The shapes of constellations
resemble objects familiar to those people. Each constellation is signified by an animal, a human being, or
some other objects it appears to resemble. All the constellations seem to move in the sky from east to west.
This is due to the rotation of the earth on its axis from west to east.
SOME OF THE IMPORTANT CONSTELLATION DIAGRAM:
A particular constellation does not have a small number of stars as it consists of a large number of stars,
some of them are bright and can be seen easily with the naked eye. All the stars which make up a
constellation are not at the same distance, they are just in the same line of right in the sky.
Lets have a discussion on four common constellations Ursa Major, Orion, Cassiopeia, and Leo Major.
URSA MAJOR CONSTELLATION IN CONSTELLATION
DIAGRAM
Since Ursa major constellation is the most popular constellation and it is also known as Great Bear, Big
Bear, Big dipper and plough. The Indian name of the Ursa Major constellation is saptarishi (saptarshi).
The Ursa Major constellation consists of seven bright stars. It appears like a big ladle or question mark(?).
There are three stars in the handle of ladle and four in its bowl. During the summer, the ursa major
constellation is visible in the early part of the night sky. If we observe the Ursa Major at different times in the
night, we will find that it appears to move from the east to west. Since the pole star remain fixed, therefore
the Ursa Major appears to revolve around the Pole star in the constellation diagram.
ORION MAJOR CONSTELLATION ON CONSTELLATION
DIAGRAM
Since Orion is a constellation that can be observed during winter in the late evening. It is also one of the
most popular constellations in the sky. Orion is also known as a hunter. The Indian name of Orion is Mriga.
Orion consists of a greater number of bright stars than any other constellation. Besides, this, it consists of
seven or eight bright stars. Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky and is located close to the
Orion. To locate the position of Sirius in the night sky with the help of Orion, we have to imagine a straight
line passing through the three middle stars of Orion. This imaginary line will lead us to a very bright star; this
very bright star is Sirius.
CASSIOPEIA: ( mriga constellation) ON CONSTELLATION
DIAGRAM
Cassiopeia is also a constellation in the northern sky. The constellation consists of 5 stars which are
arranged to form the shape of the distorted letter W or M (depending on the position of Cassiopeia in the
sky). Cassiopeia constellation is visible during winter in the early part of the night.
LEO MAJOR :
The constellation in the northern sky which consists of 9 main stars is known as leo major constellation. .
Leo means lion, so the arrangement of stars in the constellation forms the outline of a big lion. This
constellation diagram is visible during summer in the early part of the night.
2. PROBLEMS
SHORT TYPE QUESTION ON CONSTELLATION DIAGRAM
Qs1 Do all the stars in the sky move? Explain.
Ans1 No, all the stars in the sky do not move but they appear to move from east to west. This is
actually due to rotation of the earth on its axis. The Earth moves from west to east. So, it appears as
the stars are rising from east and as the day dawns, they set in the west. But pole star does not
appear to move because it is situated in the direction of the Earth’s axis.
Qs2 Why is the distance between stars and the Earth expressed in light years?
Ans2 The distance between the stars and the Earth is expressed in light years because the distance
between them is seven million kilometres which is not easily readable.
Thus, to measure large distances, a bigger unit is used known as
light year. When light travels the distance in one year terms as Light
Year.
HIGHER ORDER TYPE IN CONSTELLATION DIAGRAM
Qs3 Mention the name of constellation which terms as “ The Hunter”?
Ans3 Orion constellation is known as the hunter .
Qs4 Differentiate between stars and planets. (with key word)
KEY WORDS STARS PLANETS
Twinkling
They have own light so, they
twinkle.
Planets do not have their own
light. They just reflect the
light of the star to which they
belong, so, planets do not
twinkle.
Number of stars
Infinite in number in the
celestial sphere.
Number of planets are only
eight in the solar system
Distance
Even the relative distance
between stars remains
constant.
The relative distance between
the planets changes with time
size
These are very big in size.
They appear small as they
are very far off.
These are relatively smaller
Type
It is a huge mass of extremely
hot gases and its temperature
is very high
It is made up of rocks and
metals and its temperature
depends on its distance from
the sun.
ANSWER IN BRIEF
Qs4 The moment , the meteors enter the atmosphere of Earth, then what exactly happens? Explain in brief.
Ans4 The moment , the meteors enter the earth’s atmosphere, then due to the friction of air, they get
heated up and become visible. Then they seen as a bright streak of light flashing for a moment
across the sky, so they usually burnt out completely before reaching the surface of the Earth.
3. HIGHER-ORDER THINKING SKILL ON CONSTELLATION
DIAGRAM
Qs5 Differentiate between star and shooting star.
Ans5
STAR SHOOTING STAR
Due to air friction a star does not get
destroyed
After entering the atmosphere of the Earth,
a shooting star burns due to heat and
friction
A star is very big in size A shooting star is very small
Hydrogen like hot gases makes the star. Rocks and metals make a shooting star.
A star is luminous A shooting star has no light of its own