Constellations
What are constellations?
A group of stars that are different shapes and sizes
Shapes in the stars ancient people imagined to tell stories.
What causes seasons to occur?
Define a rotation
An object spins around on its axis
What are stars made of?
explosive gasses
Why are constellations in each season different?
Earth revolves around the sun, so people see different parts of the sky
Earth's rotation on its axis
Define a revolution
An object goes completely around another object
Are all stars the same distance from Earth?
no, they are different sizes and distances from Earth
The Big Dipper appears to shift in the sky throughout one night. Why?
The Earth's rotation on its axis caused a shift in the appearance
What is the equator?
An imaginary line that separates the northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere
How much time has passed after one rotation of Earth?
1 day / 24 hours
If I observe stars at the same time and location the first night of each season (winter, spring, summer and fall) what will I observe?
The pattern of stars appears to move across the sky as Earth revolves around the sun
What causes the apparent motion of stars/constellations in a circular pattern?
Earth's rotation on its axis
In which direction does Earth rotate?
Counterclockwise
How much time does it take Earth to make a revolution around the sun?
365 1/4 days / 1 year
What is the difference between a constellation and a galaxy?
A constellation is only about 12 stars, a galaxy is a huge collection of gas, dust and billions of stars
What is the name of the north star?
Polaris
Why do the sun, moon, and stars appear to move from east to west?
Because earth rotates on its axis
What is the path Earth takes to make a revolution around the sun?
An elliptical orbit
One - the sun