Crash Course Kids - Constellations and Stars

Front

What are constellations?

Back

Constellations are groups of stars that form recognizable patterns in the night sky.

Front

Do people in the southern hemisphere see the same constellations as people in the northern hemisphere?

Back

No, they don't.

Front

Who can see all the constellations over the course of a year?

Back

Someone living at the equator.

Front

How can looking for constellations in the night sky help you know what season it is?

Back

Many constellations are only visible during certain parts of the year.

Front

What do stargazers use constellations for?

Back

To find objects in the night sky.

Front

Why did astronomers name constellations?

Back

It makes them easier to find.

Front

What is the Milky Way?

Back

The Milky Way is the galaxy that contains our solar system and is visible as a band of light in the night sky.

Front

What is a star?

Back

A star is a massive, luminous sphere of plasma held together by gravity.

Front

What is the difference between a star and a planet?

Back

Stars produce their own light, while planets reflect the light of stars.

Front

What is the North Star?

Back

The North Star, or Polaris, is the star that is located directly above the North Pole and is used for navigation.