Question

Write a brief note on 'Nakshatras'.

Answer 1

An imaginary sphere covering the sky with the Earth at its centre is known as the celestial sphere.

The ecliptic of the celestial sphere is divided into $27$ equal parts known as nakshatras. Hence, their angular region is $360÷27={13}^o{20}^{\prime }.$

The moon remains in one nakshatra for $1$ day as it undergoes an angular displacement of ${13}^o{20}^{\prime }$ in one day. The Sun remains in one nakshatra for $365÷27=13.5$ days.

Nakshatras are given names on the basis of imaginary figures formed by joining stars or by luminous stars belonging to the nakshatra. Pushya, Swati and Ardra are some well-known nakshatras.