3. The pattern
constellations form may
take the shape of:
• Animal
• Mythological creature
• Man
• Woman
• Inanimate object
(microscope, compass,
crown)
4. How many
constellations are
there?
88 constellations
In 1922, the International
Astronomical Union (IAU)
formally accepted the
modern list of 88
constellations, and in 1928
adopted official
constellation boundaries
that together cover the
entire celestial sphere.
5. Cool Facts about constellation
•The constellations you see depend on your
location, date, and time.
•Most have legends, myths, or stories behind
them.
6. 3 Classifications of Constellations
Constellations are classified into three separate categories based upon when
they can be seen during the year as well as what celestial object move through
the stars as well.
1. Circumpolar constellations- are ones that are seen all year round. They are the
constellations that circling the north and south celestial poles.
2. Zodiacal constellations-are ones in which the sun passes through. This is
where the origin of the signs of the zodiac came from.
3. Seasonal constellations -are ones that change throughout the year depending
on the seasons. For example, in the northern hemisphere, the constellation Orion
is one that see during the winter months. The constellation Scorpius, is one you
see during the summer months.
7. Examples of
Circumpolar
constellations
• The main circumpolar
constellations are Ursa
Major, the Great Bear;
Ursa Minor, the Little
Bear; Draco, the
Dragon; Cepheus, the
King; and Cassiopeia,
the Queen. The
circumpolar
constellations travel in
circles around the
North Star, Polaris.
Northern
13. Zodiac Constellations
• Zodiac constellations are constellations that lie
along the plane of the ecliptic. The ecliptic, or
the apparent path of the Sun, is defined by the
circular path of the Sun across the sky, as seen
from Earth. In other words, the Sun appears to
pass through these constellations over the
course of a year.
30. How Early People Used Constellations
While constellations were associated with religion, they also have
practical uses. Before the calendars, people had no way of determining
when to sow or harvest except by looking at these patterns in the sky.
Ancient people developed a way to remember the patterns by giving these
patterns names and stories. For example, in the northern hemisphere, the
constellation Orion indicates the coming of cold season.The constellations
made it easier for them to recognize and interpret patterns in the sky. For
example, Gemini is seen in the Philippines during the months of April and
May. Farmers interpreted the appearance of Gemini as the end of planting
season and it signified rich harvest. The table below shows how the
Matigsalug Manobo of Bukidnon used the stars and constellations in relation
to their agriculture.
