Astronomy Concepts and Constellations

Front

What is a constellation?

Back

A group of stars that makes an imaginary shape in the night sky.

Front

How many different constellations are recognized by astronomers?

Back

88

Front

What causes us to see different constellations during different seasons?

Back

The Earth's orbit around the Sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

How have people used constellations for navigation?

Back

To navigate at night and keep track of the seasons.

Front

What does the constellation Orion represent?

Back

A Hunter.

Front

What is the Milky Way?

Back

A galaxy that contains our solar system and billions of other stars.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Front

What are the two main types of celestial bodies?

Back

Stars and planets.

Front

What is a star?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between a planet and a star?

Back

A planet orbits a star and does not produce its own light, while a star generates light and heat through nuclear fusion.

Front

What is the North Star?

Back

A star located nearly at the north celestial pole, used for navigation.