IMPORTANT CONSTELATIONS

Question 1

What is an asterism?

Answer 1

A recognizable pattern of stars that is not an official constellation.

Question 2

Give an example of a famous asterism in Ursa Major.

Answer 2

The Big Dipper.

Question 3

Give an example of an asterism in Orion.

Answer 3

Orion’s Belt.

Question 4

What is the Summer Triangle?

Answer 4

Asterism formed by Vega, Deneb, and Altair (Lyra, Cygnus, Aquila).

Question 5

What is the Winter Triangle?

Answer 5

Asterism formed by Betelgeuse, Procyon, and Sirius (Orion, Canis Minor, Canis Major).

Question 6

What does “IAU” stand for?

Answer 6

International Astronomical Union.

Question 7

What is an asterism?

Answer 7

A recognizable pattern of stars that is not an official constellation.

Question 8

Give an example of a famous asterism in Ursa Major.

Answer 8

The Big Dipper.

Question 9

Give an example of an asterism in Orion.

Answer 9

Orion’s Belt.

Question 10

What is the Summer Triangle?

Answer 10

Asterism formed by Vega, Deneb, and Altair (Lyra, Cygnus, Aquila).

Question 11

What is the Winter Triangle?

Answer 11

Asterism formed by Betelgeuse, Procyon, and Sirius (Orion, Canis Minor, Canis Major).

Question 12

What does “IAU” stand for?

Answer 12

International Astronomical Union.

Question 13

How many official constellations are recognized by the IAU?

Answer 13

88

Question 14

What is the abbreviation for Orion?

Answer 14

Ori

Question 15

What is the abbreviation for Ursa Major?

Answer 15

UMa

Question 16

What is the abbreviation for Lyra?

Answer 16

Lyr.