Constellations and Their Significance

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary related to constellations, their definitions, and historical significance.

Constellation

A group of stars forming a distinct pattern named after a mythological figure.

Ursa Major

Also called the Big Bear, a northern constellation recognizable by the asterism known as the Big Dipper.

Asterism

A prominent pattern of stars smaller than a constellation.

International Astronomical Union (IAU)

Organization responsible for assigning names to constellations and recognized 88 constellations.

Circumpolar Constellations

Constellations that are visible in the night sky all year round, such as Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.

Draco

A dragon constellation that is located between the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper.

Noncircumpolar Constellations

Constellations that appear in the sky only in a particular season.

Orion

A constellation resembling a hunter, visible in the night sky during winter months.

Andromeda

A northern constellation visible in autumn, named after the princess in Greek mythology.

Navigation

The use of stars for guidance during expeditions, particularly significant during European colonization.