Constellations Flashcards
Define constellations?
a group of stars that form an imaginary outline on the celestial sphere
How many recognized constellations are there in total?
88
How many recognized constellations are there in the northern hemisphere?
30
How many recognized constellations are there in the southern hemisphere?
32
How many recognized constellations are being shared by the 2 hemispheres and where are they located?
26, on the side of the celestial sphere
When did the star of Bethlehem last appear and how did it appear?
Last December 21, due to the conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter
How often does the star of Bethlehem appear?
Every 800 years
What is the star of Bethlehem also known as?
The Polaris or north star, which is the brightest star in the northern hemisphere
Describe the star of Bethlehem?
A supernova, which is a very bright light due to the explosion of supergiants
Describe the stone hedge?
It was used by neolithic people to study the day, month, and location of the earth as it revolves around the sun
How many ring positions are there in the stone hedge?
56 for the outermost, 30 for the middle, and 29 for the inner
Describe astronomy?
It is the study of the universe comprising of the planets, stars, galaxies, comets, and black holes
Describe the celestial sphere?
It is an imaginary bubble used to locate the position of heavenly bodies outside of earth. It is also concentric with earth meaning it shares the same center
What are heavenly bodies?
Stars, comets, and meteors
What is the celestial sphere also known as?
Galaxy
What is the size of the celestial sphere?
No specific size because it is not calculable
What are the 4 parts of the celestial sphere?
Celestial equator, North and South celestial poles, and Ecliptic
Describe the celestial equator?
Divides the north and south celestial poles
Which heavenly bodies do the Philippines see? Why?
All heavenly bodies located in the north celestial pole because the Philippines is located in the northern hemisphere
What is found in the north celestial pole?
Polaris, the brightest star in the northern hemisphere
Describe an ecliptic?
It is the path where the earth rotates on its axis
Describe a zenith?
It is the highest peak above our head on the celestial sphere
What is apart of the zenith? Describe.
Azimuth, which is the 360-degree surrounding
What are the degree measurements of the azimuth according to cardinal directions?
0: north, 90: east, 180: south, 270: west
Why do stars appear at night?
Because they generate their own light and this light is reflected by the atmosphere
Do stars twinkle?
No, they are just balls of gases and fire
What are the lit-up and twinkling objects in the sky?
Twinkling: stars, lit-up: planets
Where does the life cycle of stars begin?
It starts in the middle, which is the star-forming Nebula
How is a protostar made?
As hydrogen gases fuse due to gravity, they form helium gases and continue to fuse until they create a carbon core. From there, a protostar is produced
What happens if the protostar has a low fusion rate?
A low mass star would be produced and the life cycle will continue towards the left side
What happens if the protostar has a high fusion rate?
A high mass star would be produced and the life cycle will continue towards the right side
What are the characteristics of a low mass star?
Low pressure, fusion rate, temperature, cooler, and few amounts of gases accumulated