Chapter 17 Constellation

1. A constellation is a group of stars in the sky that appears to form a certain pattern.
2. These stars look brighter and more obvious than any other stars
3. Various patterns of the constellations have been found. For example, the Scorpio that looks like a scorpion and the orion constellation that looks like a hunter.
4. Today,there are 88 internationally recognised constellations.
5. Twelve of the constellations make up zodiac signs which consisys of Capricon, aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius.
6. The zodiac is also called the sensational constellations. It appears at different times at year.
7. Some constellations can be seen all year round. They are known as the circumpolar constellations . these constellations are important
a) for navigation
b)for learning about other stars
c)as a calender
8. In olden times, sailors and explorers used the constellations to navigate. The constellations that are often used are Big Dipper, Cygnus and Orion. These constellations are used because they always give directions accurately.
9. Nowwdays, most sailors use the the compass instead of the constellaions for navigation.
10. Besides navigation purposes, constellations are also be used by astromers to study other stars. They can also be used as the calendars by observing their position.Constellation only can be seen in a certain time such as:
a) Big Dipper and Southern Cross can be seen between April to June around 8.00 pm to
10.00 pm.
b)Orion can be seen between December to February around 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm.
c)Scorpio can be seen between June to August around 8.00pm to 10.00 pm.