Constellation Discovery Series: Draco

What is the translation of the constellation Draco?

• Serpent or Dragon

• The Lion

• The Eagle

• The Bear

Draco is considered the ______ largest constellation in the night sky.

• eighth

• third

• fifteenth

• twelfth

Draco is especially visible and bright in the night sky.

• True

• False

The head of the dragon in the Draco constellation consists of how many stars in a trapezoid?

• Four

• Three

• Five

• Six

Where does the body of the Draco constellation end in the night sky?

• Between the Big Dipper and Little Dipper

• Near Orion's Belt

• Above the Southern Cross

• Next to the constellation Leo

Draco is a northern constellation that can be seen all year in the northern hemisphere.

• True

• False

Why was the Draco constellation considered significant in ancient times?

• Because it was the guardian of the star that never moves, the celestial pole otherwise known as the North Star.

• Because it was believed to bring rain during droughts.

• Because it was thought to represent the god of war.

• Because it marked the beginning of the harvest season.

Around 4000 years ago, the North Star was actually a point in the constellation Draco called ______ or Draconis.

• Thuban

• Polaris

• Vega

• Aldebaran

According to the passage, why were the Pyramids on the Giza Plateau designed to have one side facing north?

• To geometrically align the entrance passage so that Thuban or Draconis would be visible at night.

• To maximize sunlight exposure throughout the year.

• To align with the Nile River for religious ceremonies.

• To provide shade for workers during construction.

What did the Egyptians believe about the stars Thuban and the Belt of Orion?

• They believed these stars were 'imperishable' or 'undying,' and that the pharaoh would join them in the afterlife, maintaining order in the celestial realm.

• They believed these stars were the eyes of the god Horus, watching over the Nile.

• They believed these stars would bring about the annual flooding of the Nile.

• They believed these stars were omens of disaster and should be avoided.