Download Constellation Chart Activity

Name: ___________________________
Period__________
Reading a Constellation Chart
Use an “SC001 Constellation Chart” and your understanding of the Celestial Sphere to
complete the following statements:
1. The numbers along the right and left side of the chart represent the _______________ of a
star. This is similar to latitude lines on the Earth that tells the position of objects North or
South of the equator. Notice that this chart spans the night sky from __________ degrees
North to __________ degrees South. You can tell the Northern sky because of the
__________ sign next to the number.
2. Look at the heavy line running through the center of the chart from East (left) to West
(right). This line is labeled 0o, so that must make it the ______________________
______________________.
3. There is another line running East-West that swoops up and down over the entire width of
the chart. This line represents the path the sun appears to make as earth orbits around it.
We call this the ____________________. The line peaks at +23.5o degrees at its highest
point and hits __________ degrees at its lowest point. Why is that? ________________
_______________________________________________________________________
4. The Zodiac signs fall upon this plane. Using the chart find and list the Zodiac signs:
a. ___________________
e. ____________________
i. ____________________
b. ___________________
f. ____________________
j. ____________________
c. ___________________
g. ___________________
k. ____________________
d. ___________________
h. ___________________
l. ____________________
5. Find the numbers located along the x-axis of the chart (there are dates written below them).
These numbers represent ________________ ________________________, the EastWest positions of objects in the sky.
6. In order to thoroughly understand how to read the chart, look at the tiny statement in the
lower left-hand corner of the chart. What this is telling you is that the dates located along
the bottom of the chart represent YOUR meridian at 8 PM local time on that particular
night. Remember, your meridian is the imaginary line that runs directly overhead through
your ______________________ and also through the North Star (aka: ______________).
It touches the horizon at the cardinal points ______________ and _______________.
7.
For example:
a) Find 6h of Right Ascension at the bottom of the map. The date written right below it is
_________________. That means that if you go outside at 8 PM local time on that date,
that line would be YOUR Meridian.
b) Find Orion and Gemini along that 6h RA line. On that date at that time, Orion will be just
to the right (west) of your _________________, and Gemini will be to your left (east).
c) The stars, as well as new lines of Right Ascension, will cross your meridian EVERY
HOUR, moving from the left (east) to right (west) all night long.
d) So, if the 6h = 8 PM, then:
7h = _______ PM, and
8h = _______ PM and so on & so on
Hint: Put your finger on the 6h point and slide the chart (the stars) from east to west one
hour. Where does your finger end up?
8.
On the date from #7a, what time will Canis Major (-20o dec.) be on your meridian?
___________________
9.
Find the following constellations and write down the date when it would cross your
meridian between 7 pm and 8 pm.
Date:
a.) Pegasus (RA 0h, Dec +20o)
________________
b.) Orion (RA 6h, Dec 0o)
________________
10. On October 6th, what constellation will cross your meridian at approximately -20o Dec. at
8 pm? __________________________________
11. Why can’t we ever see the constellation Carina from Pittsburgh?
_________________________________
12. Why are the North Star (Polaris), the Little Dipper, and parts of Cassiopeia not shown on
the chart? _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
13. Look at the “Key” on the lower right-hand or the upper left-hand corners of the chart.
The dark dots represent the apparent magnitude, or how bright the star looks from Earth.
**Stars of –2 are the brightest stars in the night sky**
**Stars of +6 can barely be seen with the naked eye**
Find the following stars and write down their magnitudes (mv):
a. Sirius
(-17o Dec.; 7h RA)
=
___________
=
___________
c. Arcturus (+20o dec.; 14.5h RA) =
___________
b. Markab (+15o dec.; 23h RA)
According to the charts “Key” at the bottom right:
14.
Find the constellation of Andromeda (+40o dec.: 1h RA). You will see something called
M31, which is a ____________________.
15. M1 in the constellation Taurus (+22o dec.: 5h RA) is a(n) __________________
(continued on the back…)
Interpreting Data:
16. When (date and time), would you be able to look at your zenith and see the
constellation Lyra (RA 19h, Dec +40o)? ________________________________
17. On July 5th, at about 8:30 PM:
a. Which constellation is directly overhead? (remember, Pittsburgh’s latitude is
about +40o and your latitude = declination of your zenith)
_____________________________________________
b. Why do you not see Gemini (RA 7h, Dec. +25o) cross your meridian on this date in
July? _____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
18. What is the Declination of the constellation Capricornus (RA 21h)? _______________
19. What is the Right Ascension of the constellation Taurus (Dec +20o)? _____________