Stars in the Sky
By Sandy Sultana
10/29/2018
S
tars are gaseous masses found in the sky. They range in size and brightness. Each star is classified by their spectra and temperature. Some stars are noted on an individual basis, while others stars are know by their participation in a constellation. Whether a star is large or small, dull or bright, each star plays a part in the solar system.
The Sun
Located in the center of our solar system is the brightest of all the stars, the sun. The sun is the closest star to the Earth. Due to the spatial arrangement of the Earth and the Sun, it sun is visible to us and responsible for most of the Earth’s energy.
The North Star
The North Star, also know as Polaris, has been used on a navigational basis for many years. It has been rumored to be the brightest star in the sky, but that is false. What makes it so special is its position in relation to the north celestial pole. This is why it is so useful in navigation. It closely marks the direction of due north.
The Milky Way
The Milky Way is a band of light that passes through more than a dozen constellations. The Milky Way got its name because of the white light that appeared in space. The white light was comprised of many stars.
The Big Dipper
The Big Dipper is very identifiable from Earth. It is so bright, that even from a city, it is easily identifiable. It is part of the constellation Ursa Major, the Big Bear. The big dipper is made up of many stars:
Alkaid
Alcor
Mizar
Alioth
Megrez
Phecda
Merak
Dubhe
With the help of the stars we are able to spot the Big Dipper from almost anywhere.
Constellations
Constellations are regions in the sky. They are perceived as figures or designs named after characters from classical mythology and various common animals and objects. There are 88 recognized constellations today.
Some of the most well knows constellations are:
Aquarius- Water Bearer
Aries- Ram
Cancer- Crab
Canis Major- Larger Dog
Capercornus- Water Goat
Gemini- Twins
Leo- Lion
Libra- Scales
Pieces- Fish
Sagittarius- Archer
Scorpius- Scorpion
Taurus- Bull
This is an image of the Constellation Taurus.
This is an image of the Constellation Leo.
Brightest Stars
When we look up into a night sky, based on location, we can only see a small amount of stars in comparison to the actual number of stars that inhabit our universe. There are billions of stars, but due to the lights in our surrounding cities, many of them go unnoticed. There are a few stars that are bright enough to be seen on a regular basis due to their magnitude and location in the solar system.
Common Name / Scientific Name / Distance (light years)Sun
Sirius / Alpha CMa / 8.6
Canopus / Alpha Car / 74
Rigil Kentauraus / Alpha Cen / 4.3
How can you learn more about the Solar System?
One way to learn more about the Solar System is to visit a nearby planetarium or observatory.
10/29/2018