Constellation Cluster or group of stars that seem to form shapes or patterns 88 officially recognized groupings Used for 1000s of years as calendars, timekeepers and direction finders Seen as shapes of animals, mythical gods, etc., and given a variety of names Horoscope signs are constellations (e.g. Virgo) e.g. Ursa Major Constellation (Great Bear)
Asterism A distinctive star pattern Refers to unofficially recognized groupings of stars e.g. the Big Dipper, Little Dipper
Big Dipper
Ursa Major
Ursa Major
Big Dipper + Little Dipper
Ursa Minor
Ursa Minor
Cassiopeia
Cassiopeia
Cassiopeia
Hercules
Hercules
Hercules
Orion
Orion
Orion
Planet Sizes and Order
The Planets
Inner Solar System
Outer Solar System
Solar System Now