Page 184 - Science Class 08

Astronomers have recognised 88 constella ons Orion
so far. Out of which Ursa Major— the Great Orion is also called the Hunter because it
Bear, Taurus – the Bull, Leo – the lion, Scorpius appears like a hunter, its Indian name is Mriga.
– the Scorpion and Hercules are important. It has seven bright stars and several faint stars.

Ursa Major Four bright stars mark the shoulder and legs of

Ursa Major is one of the most prominent the hunter and three stars mark its belt. Other
constella ons in the night sky. It is known by faint stars complete the picture. Betelgeuse and
various names such as the Big Dipper, the Rigel are the two bright stars of this constell-
Great Bear, or the Saptrishi. The word ‘Dipper’ a on. In winter, this constella on is easily
was used in olden days for the utensil to drink visible.
water of the seven stars of Ursa Major, three
form the handle of the dipper, four form its
bowl. Thus, the constella on, because of its
resemblance with the shape of a dipper, got
the name the Big Dipper.

Orion
Dubhe
Alcor Scorpion
Alioth
Alkaid Mizar Megrez This constella on has seven bright and several
faint stars that form a picture of scorpion. It is
Merak visible during the summer season.
Phecda

Big Dipper
The Ursa Major moves from east to west
around the Pole Star. We can locate the Pole
Star with the help of the Ursa Major. Pole Star
never changes its posi on. Its straight line
drawn through the two ‘pointers’ of Ursa Major

passes through the Pole Star.
Ursa Minor
Scorpion
Ursa Minor is similar to
Ursa Major. It means it
also comprises seven
right stars. It is near What is a Planetarium?
the Pole Star which is Planetarium is like a movie theatre, but unlike
the last star of the the movie theatre planetarium has a domed
handle. Li le dipper or Ursa Minor shaped ceiling that shows pictures of planets,
Li le Bear are the other names of Ursa Minor. stars, moon and other heavenly bodies.

184 Science-8