* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Download Constellation Catalog
Timeline of astronomy wikipedia , lookup
Observational astronomy wikipedia , lookup
Auriga (constellation) wikipedia , lookup
Orion (constellation) wikipedia , lookup
Star formation wikipedia , lookup
Corona Borealis wikipedia , lookup
Cygnus (constellation) wikipedia , lookup
Canis Major wikipedia , lookup
Astronomical spectroscopy wikipedia , lookup
Canis Minor wikipedia , lookup
Aquarius (constellation) wikipedia , lookup
Corona Australis wikipedia , lookup
Aries (constellation) wikipedia , lookup
Constellation wikipedia , lookup
Cassiopeia (constellation) wikipedia , lookup
Constellation Catalog Period 1 Astronomy 4/3/14 Constellation _____________Aries _____________ Nickname ______________The Ram__ ___________ History: Aries is a zodiacal constellation representing the ram of the Golden Fleece sought by Jason and the Argonauts. The ram had originally been presented to Nephele by Mercury when her husband took a new wife, Ino, who persecuted Nephele's children. To keep them safe, Nephele sent Phrixus and Helle away on the back of the magical ram, who flew away to the east. Helle fell off into the Hellespont (now the Dardanelles) between the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmara, but Phrixus My Constellation safely made it to Colchis on the eastern shore of the Black Sea. Phrixus sacrificed the ram and presented the Golden Fleece to the king, Aeetes. Roughly 2000 years ago, the vernal equinox was in the constellation Aries. This is no longer the case, due to precession of the earth's axis, but Aries is still regarded as the first constellation in the zodiac. Additional Interesting Facts: 1.Aries is meant to look like a jumping, dashing ram. 2. To ancient Greek culture the horns of Aries is a symbol of renewal and fertility. 3. Aries is a binary star system. 4. Aries represents Confidence, stubbornness, generosity, and impulsiveness. 5. Aries is the second smallest constellation. 6. Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac. 7. Aries symbolizes an animal of great courage. 8. A ram is a symbol of leadership and ram in Latin is Aries. 9. Aries the Ram also symbolizes abundance and aggression. 10. Aries has none of the brightest stars and is most noticeable because it is dim. Instructions for locating the constellation: Best time for seeing Aries the Ram. The best time to behold the Mighty Ram is at the opposite end of the year, when the Earth is on the other side of the sun. In late October, this constellation rises in the east at sunset, reaches its highest point in the sky at midnight and sets in the west at sunrise. November and December are especially good months for viewing Aries the Ram in all his starlit majesty, for this constellation shines above the eastern horizon at nightfall and stays out for most of the night. Aries culminates – reaches its highest point in the sky – at about 10 p.m. local time (the time in all time zones) in late November, 8 p.m. local time in late December and 6 p.m. local time in late January. Aries is not a particularly prominent constellation, so a dark country sky absent of moonlight is most desirable for viewing the Ram at its finest. The three stars depicting the Ram’s bust – Hamal, Sheratan and Mesartim – suddenly brighten in a dark sky, as if someone had turned up the dimmer switch. By the way, a small telescope reveals that Mesartim is a double star. Fortunately, the head of the Ram is fairly easy to locate. You’ll find it midway between these two signposts: the Pleiades star cluster to the east and the Square of Pegasus to the west. The Ram’s head is actually turned backward, as if admiring the Pleiades – or perhaps his own golden fleece. Stars in the constellation: Name Hamal Sheratan Mesarthim Gamma Arietis (Binary) Botein Bharani Epsilon (Binary) Type of star Distance from Earth 66 Light Years Magnitude 59.6 Light Years 2.64 160 Light Years 4.75 – 4.83 K- type Giant Star 168 Light Years 4.35 Spectral Class B8Vn Two White A-type main sequence 160 Light Years 3.61 293 Light Years 5.2 – 5.5 Combined Magnitude of the double star is 4.63 K-type Orange Giant G Class star, White Main Sequence White A-type Main Sequence Triple star system 1.98 - 2.04 Color & Surface Temperature Constellation: __Andromeda____________________ Nickname: _The Chained Lady___________________ History: Constellation was first cataloged by Ptolemy in 2nd century B.C. The constellation is named after Andromeda who, in Greek Mythology, was the daughter of Cassiopeia and Cepheus. Cassiopeia bragged that her daughter was prettier than the sea nymphs. The Sea Nymphs heard this and were angered so they told Poseidon who set a sea monster on Cassiopeia and Cepheus’ lands. They were told the only way to stop the sea monster was to sacrifice their daughter to him. So they tied Andromeda to the cliff and just as the sea monster was about to eat her Perseus rescued her and slayed the monster. According to the legend Athena placed Andromeda’s likeness in the stars. The brightest star in the constellation is Alpheratz which is the head of Andromeda; however the star is also part of the main body of Pegasus. This leads many people to believe they are the same constellation My Constellation 3 Additional Interesting Facts: 1.) The Meteor Shower Andromedids (also called Bielids) is believed to originate from the Andromeda Constellation 2.) The Andromeda Galaxy was named after the Andromeda Constellation it is a part of. 3.) The Andromeda Galaxy is on a crash course for the Milky Way and the two are expected to merge in about 4 Billion years. Instructions for locating the constellation: The Andromeda Constellation is a Fall Constellation that is best seen in November at 9:00pm. The constellation is located in the Northern Hemisphere and is visible between latitudes 90 degrees and -40 degrees. Stars in the constellation: Name Type of star Magnitude B8 Subgiant Distance from Earth 97 Light Years + 2.06 Color & Surface Temperature Blue: 13,800k Alpheratz Mirach M Giant 200 Light Years + 2.01/ +2.10 Red: 11,900k Almaak K Bright Giant 350 Light Years + 2.26 Adhil G9 196 Light Years + 4.875 Golden Yellow: 9,000k Orange: N/A Constellation __Leo____ _____________________ Nickname Ser, Shir, Artan, Aryo, Arye, Simha _____ History: Leo is the Nemean Lion that was killed by Hercules on one of the 12 labors he had to perform for killing his family. Greek mythology states that the lion that terrorized the citizens had a hide that could not be punctured by iron, bronze or stone. Finally, Hercules strangled it to death and placed it in the heavens as one of his conquests. My Constellation 3 Additional Interesting Facts: There are two meteor shows associated with the constellation. The November Lenoids usually peaks on November 17-18 every year and the January Lenoids usually peaks between January 1 and 7 Leo is the fifth sign of the zodiac and represents those born July 22 to August 22, considered a masculine, extroverted sign There are multiple luminous galaxies within Leo, including the Leo triplet of M66, M65, and NGC3628 Instructions for locating the constellation: Leo is fairly easy to find because the “pointer stars” of the Big Dipper point to Leo. It can be found by looking for the “sickle” starting at the Regulus star. It is located in the second quadrant of the Northern Hemisphere and can be seen at latitudes between +90 and -65. This constellation becomes visible around the spring equinox and becomes observable from March through May. Leo is best seen in April at 9 p.m. It is visible in the eastern region of the sky and it appears to drift westward. Stars in the constellation: Name Type of star Distance from Earth 79 light years Magnitude Regulus Algieba Multiple star system A-type main sequence star Binary star system 36 light years 2.14 130 light years 1.98 Zosma Sub giant star 58 light years 2.56 Epsilon Leonis Giant star 247 light years 2.97 Adhafera Giant star 274 light years 3.43 Chertan Sub giant star 165 light years 3.33 Sigma Leonis Sub giant star 220 light years 4.05 Ras Elased Borealis Giant star 124 light years 3.88 Denebola 1.35 Color & Surface Temperature 12,000 K Blue/white 8,500 K White 4,470K Orange 8,296 K White 5,300 K Yellow 6,792 K White 9,350 K White 11,000 K Blue 9,235 K Orange Constellation: pisces Nickname: The fish History: Catalogued by Greek astronomer Ptolmey Represents Venus and Cupid in Roman Mythology Venus and Cupid transformed themselves into fish in order to escape the monster Typhon 3 Additional Interesting Facts: Zodiac Constellation Contains 4 galaxies: Messier 74, Pisces Dwarf Galaxy, Double Radio Galaxy 3C31, Colliding Galaxy Pair Arp 284 There is one meteor shower associated with the constellation; the Piscids. My Constellation Instructions for locating the constellation: Pisces is located in the Northern Hemisphere. To find it, look towards the middle of the sky facing North, in the fall. Best seen in November. Stars in the constellation: Name Type of star Kullat Nunuƞ Piscium γ Piscium G7 IIIa Yellow Giant G9 III Yellow Giant F4IV Yellow-White sub giant F7V Yellow-White dwarf G8III Yellow Giant Aop Binary A3m KoIII Orange Giant K1 III Orange Giant K5 III Binary K9 Dwarf K3 IIIb Orange Giant B6Ve Blue- White Main Sequence White Main Sequence White Main Sequence White Main Sequence G8 III Binary Orange Giant ω Piscium Ɩ Piscium ο Piscium Alrescha or ɑ Piscium ε Piscium θ Piscium δ Piscium ν Piscium Fum al Samakeh β Piscium κ Piscium λ Piscium υ Piscium φ Piscium τ Piscium Distance from Earth 294 Magnitude 138 3.699 106 4.036 44.73 4.13 Yellow-White 6000-7500 K 142 4.26 Yellow 139 3.82 182 4.28 159 4.27 305 4.43 370 4.448 492 4.53 153 4.95 107 4.49 308 4.74 380 4.67 White 7500-11000 K White 7500-11000 K White 7500-11000 K 3500-5000 162 4.51 Orange 3.62 Color & Surface Temperature Yellow 4930 K Yellow 4885 K Yellow-White 6600 K Orange 5000 K Orange 3500-5000 K 3975 K Orange 3500-5000 K Blue-White Constellation: Aquila Nickname: The Eagle, Vultar Volans “The flying vulture” History: One of 48 constellations documented by Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the 2nd Century Identified by the Greek myth of the battle between the Olympian god and the Titans (the eagle carried Zeus’ thunderbolts that helped defeat the Titans, Zeus kept the eagle after his victory) In Greek mythology, the eagle was sent to find the most beautiful youth In Indian tradition the three stars that create the straight tail are admired as the footprints of the god Vishnu My Constellation 3 Additional Interesting Facts: The constellation occupies an area of 652 square degrees It contains 6 stars with known planets Aquila contains a large nebula that appears as a starless patch west of gamma Aquilae called the Phantom Streak Instructions for locating the constellation: Located in the equatorial region Can be seen in the Northern hemisphere during the summer (Winter for Southern hemisphere) and the Southern hemisphere during the summer (Winter for Northern hemisphere) Visible between latitudes 85 and -75 Best visible around 9 pm in August/September Surrounding constellations: Sagitta, Hercules, Ophiuchus, Serpens Cauda, Scutum, Sagittarius, Capricornus, Aquarius, Delphinus Stars in the constellation: Name Type of star Distance from Earth 16.8 light years Magnitude Α(Alpha) Aql (Altair) (center) Type A, Main sequence Β (Beta) Aql (Alshain) G subgiant 45 light years 3.71 γ (Gamma) Aql (Tarazed) Giant star 460 light years 2.712 4,210 K Orange-hued ζ (Zeta) Aql Type A, Main sequence, double star Binary system, giant star, K-type 83 light years 2.983 9,620 K White-hued 155 light years 4.02 4,760 K Orange-hued δ (Delta) Aql Binary system, subgiant & K-type 50.6 light years 3.4 Θ (Theta) Aql Binary system, main sequence & subgiant, Type B Main sequence, Btype Main sequence, Btype 286 light years 3.26 7,016 K Yellow/whitehued 10,800 K Blue/white-hued 125 light years 3.43 390 light years 4.364 ε (Epsilon) Aql λ (Lambda) Aql ι (Iota) Aql 0.77 Color & Surface Temperature 7,550 K Yellow/Whitehued 3,400 K Yellow-hued 11,780 K Blue/white-hued 14,552 K Blue/white-hued Constellation ____________Perseus_________________ Nickname ___________________________________ History: This constellation was one of the 48 constellations first charted by Greek astronomer Ptolemy in the 2nd century. Named after Greek mythical hero Perseus o Son of Zeus and Danaë o Sent by King Polydectes to bring back the head of the Gorgon Medusa o Perseus decapitated her while she was sleeping o He came across and rescued the princess Andromeda on his way home. o Polydectes was angry because he did not expect Pereus to return o Perseus turned the king to stone with Medusa’s head Miram Misam Mirfak Algol Atik Menkib My Constellation 3 Additional Interesting Facts: The constellation is located next to the Andromeda constellation which represents Perseus’ wife. The star Algol has a history of being a famous because of its association with a demon-like creature. Algol's name is derived from the Arabic phrase ra’s al-ghul meaning "the demon's head". The annual meteor shower Perseids appears to radiate from the Perseus constellation. Instructions for locating the constellation: The Perseus constellation is a northern hemisphere constellation that is best visible at 9 P.M. during the month of December. It is located in the Western sky between the latitudes +90o and -35o. The best way to spot the constellation would be to look for its brightest star, Mirfak. Perseus is bordered by the constellations Aries and Taurus to the south, Auriga to the east, Camelopardalis and Cassiopea to the north, and Andromeda and Triangulum to the west. Stars in the constellation: Name Alpha Persei (Mirfak) Beta Persei (Algol) Zeta Persei Epsilon Persei Delta Persei Rho Persei Eta Persei (Miram) Kappa Persei (Misam) Gamma Persei Xi Persei (Menkib) Phi Persei Omicron Persei (Atik) Type of star F5 Ib Supergiant Algol A: B8V Main Sequence Algol B: K0IV Subgiant Algol C: A5V Main Sequence Dwarf B1 Ib Supergiant B0.5V Main Sequence B5 III Giant M4 II Asymptotic Giant Branch K3 Supergiant K0 III Giant γ Per A: G9 III Giant γ Per B: A3V Main Sequence O7.5III Giant B2 Main Sequence ο Persei A: B1 Giant ο Persei B: B3 Dwarf Distance from Earth 510 light years 92.8 light years 750 light years 640 light years 520 light years 308 light years 1331 light years 112 light years Magnitude in Color & Surface Apparent Brightness Temperature 1.806 Yellow-white 6,350o K 2.12 Average Drops to 3.4 every Temperature: couple of days 12,000o K Algol A: Blue Algol B: Orange-red Algol C: Blue-white 2.85 Blue-white 20,800o K 2.88 Blue-white 26,500o K 3.0 Blue-white 14,890o K 3.3-4.0 Red-orange (pulsating star) 4,111o K 3.73 Orange 4,300o K 3.8 Yellow 5,500o K 243 light years 2.93 γ Per A: Yellow 5,170o K γ Per B: White 7,895o K Blue 35,000o K 1800 light years 4.06 716 light years 4.07 Blue 1000-1600 light years (estimated) 3.82 ο Persei A: Blue 22,000o K ο Persei B: Blue 18,600o K Constellation: Orion Nickname: Orion the Hunter History: The Orion constellation is named after a hunter in Greek mythology. In Greek mythology, Orion claimed to be the greatest hunter in the world which made the goddess Hera angry. So in return she had a scorpion kill him and Zeus put him in the sky as a constellation to remember him. My Constellation 3 Additional Interesting Facts: All of the main stars in the constellation are blue giants or super giants with the exception of Betelgeuse which is a Red Giant. Many people think that Orion is holding a shield in his hand while others think it is a bow or he is fighting off a lion. Orion is about 1600 light years away. Instructions for locating the constellation: Orion can be seen throughout the world. However it can only be seen from November to February. It is best seen between latitudes 85 and -75 degrees which is in the southwest part of the sky. Stars in the constellation: Name Type of star Magnitude Supergiant Distance from Earth 820 Light years Saiph Rigel Supergiant 772.9 Light years 0.12 Alnilam Supergiant 1,300 Light years 1.7 Mintaka Blue Giant 1,080 Light years 2.25 Alnitak Blue Giant 817 Light years 1.7 Bellatrix Blue Giant 252 Light years 1.6 Meissa Giant 1,000 Light years 3.5 Betelgeuse Red Supergiant 642.5 Light years 0.42 Cursa Giant 78 Light years 2.79 Trapezium Cluster Massive stars 1,300 Light years 10 2.09 Color & Surface Temperature White-Blue 26,500K White-Blue 11,000K Blue 27,000K Blue 60,000K Blue 40,000K Blue 22,000K White-Blue 33,500K Red 3,500K Yellow 8,100K Red 10,000k Constellation __Cassiopeia______________________________ Nickname _____Cas______________________________ History: Cassiopeia was named after the “vain and boastful Queen” from Greek Mythology. Cassiopeia boasted she was more beautiful than Nereids (sea nymphs fathered by the Titan Nereus. Poseidon, after hearing word from Nereus, punished Cassiopeia by sending a sea monster named Cepheus to attack her and condemned both the monster and the queen to the celestial poles My Constellation forever, spending half of the year upside down for her vanity. 3 Additional Interesting Facts: 1.) Cassiopeia has three stars with known planets and contains two Messier objects (objects similar yet not classified as comets) 2.) Cassiopeia is the 25th largest constellation in the night sky occupying 598 square degrees. 3.) The Perseids meteor shower is associated with Cassiopeia Instructions for locating the constellation: Cassiopeia is located in the first quadrant of the Northern Hemisphere and can be seen at latitudes between 90 degrees and -20 degrees. In order to find this constellation, focus on the point where the handle of the big dipper meets its cup. After finding this star, draw a line from this star through the North Star (Polaris) as the imaginary line will swipe through the constellation. Stars in the constellation: Name Type of star Orange Giant Schedar Beta Cassiopeiate Distance from Earth 228 LY Magnitude 2.20-2.23 Color & Surface Temperature Orange/ 4,530 K Yellow-White/ 7,079 K Supergiant 54.5 LY 2.27 Gamma Cassiopeiate Sub Giant 610 LY 2.2-3.4 Blue/ 30,900 K Ruchbah Giant 99 LY 2.68-2.74 85 k Achird Dwarf 19.4 LY 3.45 Zeta Cassiopeia Sub-giant 600 LY 3.67 Rho Cassiopeia Hyper Giant 11,650 LY 7.5 V509 Cassiopeia Hyper Giant 7,800 LY 4.75-5.5 Orange/ 5,730 K White/ 22,180 K Yellow/ 6,850 K Yellow/ 6,000 K Constellation __________Scorpius______________________ Nickname _creature with the burning sting__________________________________ History: Scorpius was brought to life by the Greek Gods to kill The God Orion. Orion was a God who always bragged And this time he bragged that he was going to kill all of The animals on the planet. So the Gods created Scorpius To go and kill Orion. It is said that you can see Orion and Scorpius fighting in the night sky. My Constellation 3 Additional Interesting Facts: 1. Scorpius has over 11 stars in its makeup. 2. Scorpius encompasses U Scorpii which is one of only 10 recurring nova’s. 3. Cat’s Paw Nebula lies within Scorpius Instructions for locating the constellation: In northern Hemisphere 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Scorpius lies close to the southern hemisphere Lies high in the sky near the Milky Way Right Ascension: 17 Hours Declination: 40 Degrees Visible between latitudes 40 & -90 degrees Best seen in July around 9pm Stars in the constellation: Name Type of star Distance from Earth (LY) 604 LY Magnitude Antares Supergiant Shaula 700 LY 1.62 490 LY 2.307 U Scorpii Multiple star system Stellar Classification Bo.3 IV Sub giant 580 LY 2.70 Jabhat al Akarb Dwarf 424 LY 3.93 Dschubba 0.96 Color & Surface Temperature Red 6,500 degrees F Blue 23,000 degrees K Blue-White 30,000 degrees K 12,300 times more luminous than the Sun Blue- White Constellation _______Taurus (Pleiades)___________________ Nickname __________The Bull_________________________ History: Taurus is one of the oldest recorded Constellations dating back to the early bronze age. It has been recorded as far back as 15000 B.C. It was used to mark the point of the equinox from 4000-1700 B.C. Taurus has been associated with many cultures representing many things. In Greek mythology Taurus was associated with Zeus who once disguised himself as a bull to capture Europa. The ancient Egyptians believed it was a sacred bull. Taurus was listed by Ptolemy in the 2nd Century. My Constellation 3 Additional Interesting Facts: Many stars of Taurus are part of the open cluster Hyades, the nearest open cluster to Earth. It is 147 light years distant and contains 300-400 stars. Three of the stars in Taurus contain known planets. Taurus contains the Crab Nebula, the first Messier object listed. It is a supernova remnant which contains a pulsar. Instructions for locating the constellation: The constellation can be seen fully from the northern hemisphere and partly from the southern hemisphere. It is best visible in January at 9 pm. It can be found by looking into the western part of the sky, characterized by its brightest star Aldebaran. It is in the first quadrant of the northern hemisphere. The constellation appears to form a Y shape, with Aldebaran being near but not at the intersection point. Neighboring constellations are Aries, Auriga, Cetus, Eridanus, Gemini, Orion and Perseus. Stars in the constellation: Name Type of star Distance from Earth 65 Light years Magnitude Aldebaran Elnath Spectral Class K5III Giant B7III Giant 130 light years 1.68 Omicron Tauri G8III Giant 212 light years 3.61 Zeta Tauri B4IIIp Giant 417 light years 2.97 Theta Tauri G7III Giant 149 light years 3.40 Gamma Tauri Spectral Class G8III Giant Open star cluster With B-type Stars G8III Giant 154 light years 3.65 ~400 light years ~3.87 153 light years 3.77 480 light years 3.41 Epsilon Tauri B3V Main Sequence K0III Giant 155 light years 3.53 Xi Tauri B9Vn Giant 222 light years 3.73 Pleiades(eta Tauri) Delta Tauri Lambda Tauri 0.87 Color & Surface Temperature Orange 3910K Blue 13,824K Blue-White 20,700K Blue 15,500K White 7,880K Yellow 4,844K Blue-White ~12,600K Orange 4,965K Blue-White 18,700K Orange 4,901K Blue-White 13,070K Constellation ___Hydra________________________ Nickname _None_ (Not to be confused with Hydrus)_ History: In Ancient Greek mythology, Hydra was a water snake that was given to Apollo as an apology. Apollo supposedly did not accept the apology and threw the snake into the sky. My Constellation 3 Additional Interesting Facts: Hydra is one of the two Babylonian “Serpent” constellations. Hydra is the largest constellation in the sky, but only has one bright star. Hydra belongs to the “Hercules Family of Constellations.” Instructions for locating the constellation: Hydra is located in the southern hemisphere. In order to locate hydra, it may be easier to first locate one of its neighboring constellations, Cancer, Centaurus, Leo, Libra, Antilla, Canis Minor, Corvus, Crater, Lupus, Monoceros, Puppis, Pyxis, Sextans, or Virgo. Because of its size, it takes six hours for Hydra to rise completely. Hydra is located in the second quadrant of the southern hemisphere and can be seen at latitudes between +54 and -83. Stars in the constellation: Name Type of star Distance from Earth 177 Light Years Magnitude Alphard – Alpha Hydrae Gamma Hydrae Orange Giant Yellow Giant 133.8 Light Years 2.993 Zeta Hydrae Giant 167 Light Years 3.10 2.0 Color & Surface Temperature Orange& 4,120 K Yellow & 5,087 K Yellow & 4,925 K Beta Hydrae Blue Giant 370 Light Years 4.276 27 Hydrae Yellow Giant 243.4 Light Years 4.82 Sigma Hydrae Orange Giant 353 Light Years 4.44 R Hydrae Red Giant 410 Light Years 3.5-10.9 V Hydrae Red Giant 1,300 Light Years 7.0-11.5 U Hydrae Bright Giant 677 Light Years 4.93 Epsilon Hydrae AB Yellow Giant 129 Light Years 3.38 Epsilon Hydrae A Yellow Giant 129 Light Years Epsilon Hydrae C Yellow Giant 129 Light Years Epsilon Hydrae D Yellow Giant 129 Light Years Delta Hydrae White Dwarf 179 Light Years 4.14 Nu Hydrae Orange Giant 144 Light Years 3.115 Pi Hydrae Orange Giant 101 Light Years 3.25 7.5 Blue & 11,100 K Yellow & 5,150 K Orange& ~5000 K Red & 2,830 K Red & Yellow & 5,620 K Yellow & 5,620 K Yellow & 5,620 K Yellow & 5,620 K Orange& 4,335 K Orange& 4,760 K