Getting Familiar with Constellations

NASA/JPL-Caltech/SWRI/MSSS

The Big Dipper is a well-known constellation with seven stars that make up the shape that can be recognized in the sky.

Throughout human history, people have assigned names to sets of stars in the sky. In fact, many of the northern constellations currently recognized by international organizations were recorded by the Greco-Roman astronomer Ptolemy in the 2nd century A.D. Why do you think that humans assigned the shapes of people, animals, and religious aspects to the stars? Why would these familiar objects have been used?

Post your responses to these questions in the discussions area. Then, return to the topic several times over the next few days to read your coursemates’ posts. Reply to at least two of them, making sure to ask questions and encourage further conversation.