The following paper aims to identify the 5 constellation in the Texas sky, especially the Big Dipper. Constellations are identified with the help of the star chart, which points out the constellations and helps to recognize the shapes.
There are nearly many constellations that are visible in the Japan sky as recognized by the International Astronomical Union. According to season, the different constellations are observed. The following constellations were observed in the sky including Big Bear (Ursa Major) which is also known as the Big Dipper, Virgo the Virgin, Canis Minor, Canis Major and Virgo. Polaris- the North Star is a navigational star as its position in the sky is in line with the rotational axis of the earth. (“Star Date “, 2012) Thus being in the Northern hemisphere, when you face the North Star, you are facing the North. The North Star is easily recognized due to the constellation Orion the Hunter and the Big Dipper. A straight line above the two front stars seen in the Big Dipper leads to the North Star and that is how I was able to locate the North Star Apart from these constellations other constellations may also be visible, depending upon the visibility, number of starts in the sky and the season. (“Snyder D.”, 2003)
Even though a star chart helps to identify different constellation, their placement differs according to the night sky. In order to view the constellations, one needs to focus and be patient. With the help of the other starts, one is able to locate a constellation. Big dipper can be best located in winter and spring. (“Using a Star Chart”, 2012)
In varied seasons, due to the earth’s location, varied constellations are observed. Observation is also highly dependent on the sky, whether it is crowded with visible stars or is relatively less full. Dim stars help in locating the constellations. As this observation is based on a relatively less crowded Japan sky, it was easy to locate the constellation by referring to the sky chart. Even though all the constellations were easy to find, Big Dipper was easier as well as faster to find. As mentioned, it resembles a bear, and the tail consisting of 7 stars is well identifiable. Another group that was easy to find was Canis Minor. Even though it did not exactly resemble the given shape according to the star chart, but it was easily recognized. (“Star Date “, 2012)
References:
1. Snyder D. (2003) University Lowbrow Astronomers Introduction to the Constellations. 10 December 2003. Retrieved from http://www.umich.edu/~lowbrows/guide/constellations.html
2. Using a Star Chart (2012)
.26 June 2012. Retrieved from http://www.mhhe.com/physsci/astronomy/arny_3e_update/constellation_quiz/assets/constel_tutmod.html
3. Star Date (2012). Ursa Major, The Great Bear. 26 June 2012. Retrieved from http://stardate.org/nightsky/constellations/ursa_major
