Star Constellations

 

HINT:  The dates and times asked for are approximate estimations. If the correct answer is June 21, June15-25 is ok; December 1 is just plain wrong.

 

1.  On what date will Orion be seen to the south at midnight? What shape is this constellation supposed to represent?

 

2. On what date can Libra be seen on the southern horizon at 4:00 am in the morning.

 

3. Draw a picture of the constellation Scorpius. What is this supposed to represent? Is the constellation a good or bad representation?

 

4. Today is November 15. If you look up at the sky at 9:00 this evening, what constellation will be northernmost in the sky? Extra Credit!! How far is the closest star in this constellation from Earth (hint: use the internet).

 

5. Find Leo. What is this constellation supposed to represent? Is its shape a good representation?

 

6. Which constellation can be seen in the night sky for more of the year, Ursa Major or Gemini? Which is an example of a "circumpolar" constellation?

 

7. How could knowing where a constellation is save your life?

 

8. If you were going snowshoeing into dangerous Colorado backcountry in the middle of February, which constellation might be more useful in an emergency, the Big Dipper or Pegasus? Why?

 

9. How can you find the North Star (Polaris) using the Big Dipper? Will this method work regardless of the season? Why might this be so?

 

10. In what constellation is the star Betelgeuse? Polaris? Rigel?

 

11. In what season is the view of Gemini the best?

H.W. : Look at the night sky during sometime this week - record the time and draw at least three constellations NOT mentioned in this worksheet along with their relative position.