Constellations are groups of stars that appear to form patterns in the sky, though the stars are not physically close together. There are 88 officially recognized constellations. Polaris, also known as the North Star, has been used for navigation for thousands of years as it appears nearly stationary in the sky and always points north. Polaris is actually a triple star system composed of three stars in orbit around each other. Virgo is the second largest constellation and is associated with harvest. Orion is one of the most prominent winter constellations, depicted as a hunter, with his dog Sirius at his feet. According to Greek mythology, Orion boasted that nothing could kill him but was later killed by a scorpion

1. CONSTELLATION

2. Constellations
• Constellations group of stars that form a pattern
in the sky
• The shapes you see all depend on your point of
view.
• Stars in a constellation are NOT close to each
other, but when viewed from Earth they seem to
be grouped together.
• There are 88 accepted constellations listed by the
International Astronomical Union (IAU)
• During ancient times, constellations were used for
navigation and to tell stories.

4. For many thousands of years Polaris has
been used as a guiding star and reference
point for navigators and astronomers.
Through experience and observation
humans discovered the North Star lights the
way to true north. Know the secret of
finding the North Star in the northern sky,
and you will know how to find direction
even in the darkest of nights.
Polaris is a triple star system, composed of the
primary star, Polaris Aa (a yellow supergiant),
in orbit with a smaller companion (Polaris Ab);
the pair in orbit with Polaris B (discovered in
August 1779 by William Herschel). There were
once thought to be two more distant
components—Polaris C and Polaris D—but
these have been shown not to be physically
associated with the Polaris system.

8. Virgo: The Virgin
Virgo is the second largest constellation (after Hydra).
As a member of the Zodiac, Virgo has a number of
ancient myths and tales. The Sun passes through Virgo
in mid-September, and is therefore the constellation that
announces the harvest. Virgo is often represented as a
"maiden“ (as its name indicates). In antiquity, she may
have been Isis, the Egyptian protectress of the living and
the dead and the principal mother goddess.

9. Orion - The Hunter
Orion is the master of the winter skies. He lords over the
heavens from late fall to early spring, with his hunting dog
Sirius trailing at his feet.
Many different civilizations saw this constellation in the
sky. The most famous stories come from Greek myths.
Orion was a famed hunter, and in one story boasted that no
creature could kill him. Hera then sent Scorpius, a scorpion
to sting the hunter. Orion smashed the animal with his club,
but not before he was poisoned. Both are now on opposite
sides of the sky. They cannot be seen at the same time.

10. Made By Ayush Kumar
Class: 12”A”