Constellations Quiz

What is a constellation?

• A group of stars that forms a recognizable pattern in the night sky.

• A planet that orbits the sun.

• A type of comet.

• A single bright star.

Answer explanation

A constellation is defined as a group of stars that form a recognizable pattern in the night sky, distinguishing it from other celestial objects like planets, comets, or individual stars.

Which star is located in the constellation Ursa Minor?

• Polaris (North Star)

• Betelgeuse

• Spica

• Antares

Answer explanation

Polaris, also known as the North Star, is located in the constellation Ursa Minor. The other stars listed, Betelgeuse, Spica, and Antares, belong to different constellations.

What is the key feature of the constellation Cassiopeia?

• W-shaped pattern

• Curved tail

• Sickle-shaped

• Great Square

Answer explanation

The key feature of the constellation Cassiopeia is its distinctive W-shaped pattern, formed by five bright stars. This shape makes it easily recognizable in the night sky, distinguishing it from other constellations.

Which constellation contains the bright star Spica?

• Virgo

• Leo

• Scorpius

• Pegasus

Answer explanation

The bright star Spica is located in the constellation Virgo, making it the correct answer. Spica is one of the brightest stars in the night sky and is easily identifiable within this constellation.

Which constellation is known for its curved tail and contains the star Antares?

• Scorpius

• Taurus

• Andromeda

• Ursa Minor

Answer explanation

The constellation Scorpius is characterized by its distinctive curved tail and is home to the bright red star Antares, often referred to as the 'heart' of the scorpion. This makes Scorpius the correct answer.

According to Greek mythology, who was Orion?

• A great hunter depicted with a sword and shield

• A queen sitting on her throne

• A woman turned into a bear

• A princess saved from a sea monster

Answer explanation

In Greek mythology, Orion is known as a great hunter, often depicted with a sword and shield. This distinguishes him from other figures like queens or princesses, making the first choice the correct answer.

Who was said to have been turned into a bear by Zeus in mythology?

• Callisto (Ursa Major)

• Orion

• Andromeda

• Cassiopeia

Answer explanation

In mythology, Callisto was transformed into a bear by Zeus. This transformation is linked to the constellation Ursa Major, which represents her in the night sky.

Who was saved from the sea monster by Perseus in Greek mythology?

• Andromeda

• Cassiopeia

• Orion

• Callisto

Answer explanation

In Greek mythology, Perseus saved Andromeda from a sea monster sent by Poseidon. She was chained to a rock as a sacrifice, but Perseus defeated the monster and rescued her, leading to their eventual marriage.

Why are constellations important for navigation?

• They help people find directions using recognizable star patterns.

• They are used to measure time.

• They predict the weather.

• They are only for decoration.

Answer explanation

Constellations are crucial for navigation as they provide recognizable star patterns that help people determine directions, especially at night when other landmarks may not be visible.

Which constellation is Polaris, the North Star, part of?

• Ursa Minor

• Orion

• Ursa Major

• Cassiopeia

Answer explanation

Polaris, known as the North Star, is located in the constellation Ursa Minor. It serves as a key navigational star due to its position nearly aligned with the Earth's rotational axis.