Patterns in the Sky

Learning goals We are learning to understand the origin and usefulness of constellations. We are learning to use a star map.

What Pattern do You See?

Ursa Major

Constellations (88) a grouping of stars, as observed from Earth historically, people formed these star patterns using there imagination to connect the dots patterns were named after animals, heroes, mythical monsters etc.

Orion

Constellation confusion activity Twenty of the largest or most prominent constellations are shown in the diagram. All are drawn to their approximate relative size, but their orientations are arbitrary ... they won’t always turned the way you see them here. This is one of the most difficult things about astronomy ... you have to learn how to rotate things in your “mind’s eye” in order to recognize them.

The Significance of the Sky calendars (ex. lining stones with the Sun’s path, track the start and end of each season) cultural significance of Solstices and Equinoxes (ex. pyramid El Castillo, Stonehenge in England) aboriginal traditions (legends and stories) navigation

Mapping the Sky star map: a map of the night sky that shows the relative positions of the stars in a particular part of the sky used by people to determine their location on the Earth’s surface and the direction they are going

The Celestial Sphere the imaginary sphere that rotates around Earth, onto which all celestial objects are projected sphere is divided into the northern and southern hemisphere

The Celestial Sphere north star (Polaris) lines up with the N celestial pole celestial navigation: the use of positions of stars to determine location and direction when travelling

Learning goals We are learning to understand the origin and usefulness of constellations. We are learning to use a star map.

Homework: read pages 329 - 333 questions 2, 4, 6, 7

Activity: Reading star charts complete star chart activity