Question

What is a constellation? Give an example.

Answer 1

A constellation is a group of stars that are considered to form imaginary outlines or meaningful patterns, typically representing animals, mythological gods or creatures. The stars within a constellation can be incredible distances apart. Yet, when viewed from Earth’s night sky, they appear to be close together and form some sort of pattern.

For example, one of the most popular and easily-identifiable constellations is called Ursa Major, which means “The Great Bear.” Ursa Major is easy to identify because of seven of the stars within the constellation.