Getting Familiar with Constellations
Steve Jurvetson
Even though it looks like one "milky"
line of clouds, the Milky Way galaxy
is made of many stars.
Even in the ancient times, people studied the stars and tried to make sense of the world above them. The Babylonians divided the patterns of stars they repeatedly divided into thirteen divisions, then eventually into twelve to correspond with their calendar. Later, the Greeks refined these divisions.
Constellations are star patterns that were thought up by farmers to identify the time of year to plant and harvest. Soon after they became a very important aspect in navigation, art, and poetry.
There are various types of constellations depending on the shape of the constellation and even how the stars seem to interact with one another. Today, you can study the sky by using technology, such as special tools and websites, or you can just look outside your window.
Essential Questions
- What are constellations?
- What is the zodiac?