DAY 6 AST101

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the concepts discussed in the lecture on constellations and seasons.

Constellation

A group of stars forming a recognizable pattern that is traditionally named after its apparent form or identified with a mythological figure.

Zodiac

A band of the sky divided into twelve equal parts, each named for the constellation that occupies that part, traditionally associated with astrological signs.

Axial Tilt

The angle at which a planet’s rotational axis is tilted relative to its orbital axis, influencing the seasons.

Season

A division of the year marked by changes in weather, ecology, and amount of daylight, primarily due to the axial tilt of the Earth.

Precession

The gradual shift or wobble in the orientation of a planet's rotational axis, affecting its climate over long periods.

Milankovitch Cycles

Mathematical cycles related to Earth's orbit and axial tilt that result in climate variations over thousands of years.

Ecliptic Plane

The plane of Earth's orbit around the Sun, along which the zodiac constellations are located.

Solstice

An astronomical event that occurs when the Sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon, marking the longest and shortest days of the year.

Equinox

The time of year when day and night are of approximately equal length, typically occurring in spring and autumn.

Astronomical Signpost

Constellations used by astronomers to locate directions and celestial objects in the night sky.