Prominent luminous objects that form consistent patterns in the night sky.

The IAU (International Astronomical Union) recognizes 88 constellations, but only 20 are truly prominent and may be easily identified

Made up of 7 stars Imagined by different cultures to

represent a bear. The ‘Dipper” is described in different cultures because it points to the North star.

Made up of 7 stars Imagined by different cultures to

represent a bear. The ‘Dipper” is described in different cultures because it points to the North star.

Also made up of 7 stars

Discovered by Ptolemy

Contains Polaris at its “handle”

If one extends the last two stars in the “bowl” of Ursa Major, it will connect to Polaris (in Ursa Minor)

The brightest star in the Ursa Minor constellation.

430 light years from EarthActually a multiple star system

Can be seen from November to February

Easily recognizable

Used to locate other stars

Orion’s belt may be used to locate Sirius (the brightest star in the night sky)

Dog star constellationContains Sirius (brightest star in the

sky) and VY Canis Majoris (Largest known star)