The Night Sky - Constellation Assignment

Arybhata was an early Indian astronomer who realized that the stars appear to move from east to west because the Earth rotates from west to east.

Stars are giant balls of hot gas, mainly composed of hydrogen and helium.  A constellation is a pattern or group of stars that people imagined to represent a figure, animal or object.  Different cultures identify different constellations.  Western cultures have identified 88 constellations.

Many societies saw patterns among the stars with gods and goddesses or stories from their culture. Most of the constellations with which we are familiar come from ancient Greece. But other civilizations created their own patterns in the sky based on stories and people that were important to them.

Constellation Assignment:

1. Using the star chart, choose 5 constellations and make an inference on what they each represent.  
2. Draw each of the constellation in the box labelled, "Star Pattern"
3. In the open space, draw the constellation and outline the animal, figure or object around the pattern of stars.
4. Once you have completed your interpretation, do some research and draw the actual figure, animal or object as represented by western cultures.
5. Research the myths or stories behind your 5 constellations and write a about each one.
6. Choose one of the constellations, and write a story influenced by your own cultures and traditions.

Link to the star map below: 

http://www.annalsofarda.dk/Annals-of-Arda/Maps-index-tables/Maps/Starmap.htm

*Helpful site: http://www.windows2universe.org/mythology/const_nav.html 

Homework: Constellation Assignment
DUE: 10/28