Constellations

What are the five constellations that are called "circumpolar constellations" in the Northern Hemisphere, and why are they unique in terms of their motion in the sky?

• Cassiopeia, Draco, Ursa Minor, Cepheus, and Camelopardalis; they continuously circle around the North Star (Polaris) and never set.

• Orion, Ursa Major, Leo, Taurus, and Virgo; they never set below the horizon.

• Scorpius, Sagittarius, Libra, Capricornus, and Aquarius; they appear to rise and set like other constellations.

• Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, and Libra; they appear to rotate around the South Star (Sigma Octantis) and never set.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Which two stars in Ursa Major's Big Dipper are often referred to as "pointer stars" because they can be used to find the North Star, Polaris?

• Aldebaran and Rigel

• Castor and Pollux

• Dubhe and Merak

• Vega and Altair

What is the name of the asterism within the constellation Ursa Major that is often used for navigation and is sometimes referred to as the 'Big Dipper'

• Cassiopeia's Crown

• The Big Dipper

• Vega's Veil

• Orion's Belt

What is the name of the last star in the tail of Ursa Minor, also known as the Little Dipper, which is often used for navigation and remains fixed in the night sky?

• Polaris

• Callisto

• Arcas

• Vega

What is the distinct shape of the constellation Cassiopeia when viewed in the night sky?

• A circle

• A straight line

• A curvy line

• A "W" or "M" shape

Why is Cassiopeia believed to be brighter in the sky according to mythology?

• Because she was a great warrior

• Because she had a magical aura

• Because she was arrogant and her husband was meek

• Because she was a great goddess

What is the brightest and alpha star in the Canis Major constellation, often referred to as the Dog Star?

• Orion

• Venus

• Mars

• Sirius

What special occasion near the Nile River was signaled by the star Sirius in Canis Major?

• The arrival of summer

• The start of the hunting season

• The flooding of the Nile

• The celebration of a harvest festival

How can Canis Major be easily located in the night sky during the months of November through March?

• By looking for the North Star

• By following a line through the Moon

• By finding Orion the Hunter and drawing a line through his belt

• By tracking the movement of the planet Jupiter

What is the brightest and alpha star in the constellation Hydra, which is known as 'the solitary one' in Arabic

• Epsilon Hydrae
  

• Alphard

• Leo

• Draco