Name:________________________
Period:_____________________
Constellation
Fun Sheet
We will spend some time on the internet to accumulate the following information about constellations.
1. What are constellations? Here is a definition and other stuff.
2. Even though constellations are imaginary things made up by poets, farmers, and astronomers they had and still have some important purposes. What are some of the past and one of the present purposes of constellations? (List at least two past and one present)
3. Approximately how many stars are visible to the naked eye in a very dark night sky?
4. What is the IAU? What is its purpose?
a.
b.
5. How many official constellations exist today?
6. Can a star officially exist in more than one constellation? You might try a FAQ sight or star naming.
7. Is every visible star in a constellation?
8. Pick a constellation from the list provided. Check with teacher – the same constellation may not be done twice in the same class. As a start, go to
http://www.dibonsmith.com/constel.htm then prepare a quick 2 minute presentation about your chosen constellation. Presentation should include:
· The mythology (the story behind the constellation)
· The constellations location in the sky
· Diagram the constellation on an 8 1/2 by 11 sheet of paper
· Name as many stars or objects that make up the constellation as you can - including galaxies and Messier objects. What are Messier objects?
· At least 3 additional interesting facts (i.e. - any interesting objects within the constellation, alternate names, alternate stories, etc.)
1. Aquarius – Robert Allred
2. Aquila – Miles Bailey
3. Aries – Jeremy Barela
4. Bootes – A. J. Gundersen
5. Cancer – Devin Koks
6. Canis Major – Joe Bustos
7. Capricornus – Sam Comer
8. Cassiopeia – Bivian Mercado
9. Centaurus – Chase Ritchie
10. Cepheus – Sean Fitzgerald
11. Cetus – Pablo Freddi
12. Crux - None
13. Cygnus – Adam Guitierrez
14. Draco – Jeff Scheusener
15. Gemini – Sean Burke
16. Hercules – Dustin Lee
17. Hydra – Rodney Lopez
18. Leo – Jin Menssen
19. Libra – Chelsey Swim
20. Lupus – Laura Moulds
21. Lyra – Dane Nitchens
22. Orion – Melissa Norris
23. Pegasus – Scott Orth
24. Perseus – Neil Rasmussen
25. Pisces – Abby Ferrari
26. Sagittarius – Jason Brunner
27. Scorpius – Kevin Schulz
28. Serpens – Carl Snider
29. Taurus – Derek Duvall
30. Ursa Major – Chelsea Quinn
31. Virgo – Branden Harvey