Constellations in the

Northern Sky

Can you think of the names of any

of the Constellations?

A constellation is a group of stars that, when seen from Earth, form a pattern. The stars in the sky are divided into 88 constellations.

The Big Dipper The Big Dipper is a group of stars that looks a

bit like a ladle. This group of stars is contained in the constellation called Ursa Major which means "The Great Bear" in Latin.

The Big Dipper is pictured on the flag of the state of Alaska, USA.

Cassiopeia or The Lady of the Chair

Cassiopeia is an easily-seen constellation that is in the far northern sky. The five major stars of Cassiopeia, also known as "The Lady of the Chair," are shaped like a "W" or an "M," depending on your orientation.

CepheusCepheus is a house-shaped constellation

in the Northern Hemisphere. It never dips under the horizon in the Northern hemisphere.

Cepheus was named after King Cepheus in Greek mythology.

Draco the DragonDraco is a constellation in the Northern

Hemisphere that was named for a dragon in Greek mythology. Draco means "dragon" in Latin.

The brightest star in Draco is located in the dragon's tail. The second-brightest star in Draco is in the head of the dragon.

The tail of Draco is between the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper.

Ursa Minor also known as The Little Dipper or The Little Bear

Ursa minor is a constellation also known as the Little Dipper. It is

also known as The Little Bear. This group of stars starts at the North

Star.

Throughout history, people have given names to groups of stars in the sky.

A constellation is a group of stars that

we see in the sky. These stars are not necessarily located together in space, but they look as though they are a group when seen from Earth.