Some Constellations

Constellations

               

               A group of stars, as seen from the earth appears to form some kind of pattern. Our ancestors imagined some known shapes formed by many group of stars and gave them specific names. Such a group of stars is known as constellation. The modern astronomers have divided the whole sky into 88 constellations. Some of them are Ashvini, Bharani, Chitra, Mriga, Aries, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra and Pisces. 

          You can easily see some constellations with naked eyes. Ursa major, Ursa minor and Orion are some easily identifiable constellations.

         Ursa major has seven chief stars making up a pattern known as Plough. It is also known as Big Dipper, the Great Bear. A straight line drawn through the pointer stars of the Plough will meet the pole star or Polaris. 

         Ursa minor constellation is similar to Ursa major constellation except that the stars are less bright and much closer together. The last star in the handle of the Little Dipper(Ursa minor) is the pole star itself.

         Both Ursa major and Ursa minor constellations are visible in summer.

           Orion is one of the brightest constellations that are seen in the north in winter and in the south in summer. This constellation appears like a hunter. The three stars in the middle represent the belt of the hunter. Hanging from Orion's belt is his sword containing three stars.