Constellations & Asterisms
6.2 - Be able to recognise and draw the following constellations and asterisms, including their most prominent stars:a) Cassiopeia
b) Cygnus
c) Orion
d) Plough
e) Southern Cross
f) Summer Triangle
g) Square of Pegasus
An asterism is not necessarily the same as a constellation. They are the most recognisable part of one or more constellations. Below are some examples:
- Orion's belt is just a small part of the constellation Orion.
- The seven stars of the Plough are part of the constellation Ursa Major, the Great Bear.
- Of the four stars of square of Pegasus, three are in Pegasus, one is technically in Andromeda.
- The Summer Triangle of the stars Deneb, Vega and Altair are from the constellations Cygnus, Lyra and Aquila.
Study the following constellations and asterisms, including their most prominent stars so you can recognise and draw them.
- Cassiopeia
- Cygnus
- Orion
- Plough
- Southern Cross
- Summer Triangle
- Square of Pegasus
Others that are interesting to look at (you're not expected to know these) include Taurus, Perseus, Leo, Gemini, Scorpius and Canis Major.
Tips
Try to draw to scale and label any prominent stars or features
Questions
Explain how stars are labelled in a constellation
Links
Catching the Light by Jerry Lodriguss Ursa Major and Ursa Minor
Chris Dolan Ursa Major
Chris Dolan Orion
Catching the Light by Jerry Lodriguss Orion & Taurus
Catching the Light by Jerry Lodriguss Cygnus
Chris Dolan Cygnus
Catching the Light by Jerry Lodriguss Cassiopeia
Chris Dolan Cassiopeia