Constellations, Solstices, Equinoxes, Tropics And the Zodiac Along the Ecliptic Constellations, Solstices, Equinoxes, Tropics And the Zodiac

Remember... Just the way the Earth can be mapped by a logical grid of lines (longitude, latitude, equator, arctic circle, Tropic of Cancer, Tropic of Capricorn…), so can the Celestial Sphere. BUT… because the Earth is tilted 23°27’ from its orbit of the Sun, the grid lines of the Celestial Sphere don’t quite line up exactly with their equivalents on Earth.

Please copy this diagram into your notes Please copy this diagram into your notes. We’ll be referring to it as we go along...

The Tropic of Cancer The Tropic of Cancer is an imaginary line or circle around the Celestial Sphere parallel to - and 23°27’ north of - the Celestial Equator.

It is the farthest north of the Celestial Equator the Sun can reach as it travels the ecliptic.

Tropic of Capricorn The Tropic of Capricorn is an imaginary line or circle around the celestial sphere parallel to - and 23°27’ south of - the Celestial Equator.

It is the farthest south of the Celestial Equator the Sun can reach as it travels the ecliptic.

On June 20th or 21st the Sun reaches its northernmost point on the ecliptic. On this day, in the northern hemisphere the Sun follows its highest path and is in the sky for longest the time of the year. This is the Summer Solstice.

On December 20th or 21st the Sun reaches its southernmost point on the ecliptic, follows its lowest path and is up the shortest time. This is called the Winter Solstice.

Equinoxes Twice a year, halfway between the Solstices, the Sun crosses the Celestial Equator. The day and night are of equal length worldwide. These are the Equinoxes.

In the Northern Hemisphere, March 20 or 21 is the Vernal - or Spring - Equinox, while September 22nd or 23rd is the Fall - or - Autumnal Equinox .

A constellation is a group of stars that are in the same general direction, and so appear to be close to each other even though they may be actually be VERY far apart.

Constellations make patterns that are recognizable and are given names based on what the patterns suggest, from bears to heroes from myths.

Constellations make it easier to keep track of the stars in the sky.

The Zodiac There are twelve constellations along the Ecliptic. Together they are called: The Zodiac. In Astrology, your ‘Sun Sign” is the sign that was behind the Sun at your birth.

The Signs of the Zodiac Spring Equinox Spring Signs: Aries the ram, Taurus the Bull, Gemini the twins. Summer Solstice Summer signs: Cancer the crab, Leo the lion, Virgo the maiden Autumnal Equinox Fall signs: Libra the scales, Scorpio the scorpion, Sagittarius the archer Winter Solstice Winter signs: Capricorn the sea goat, Aquarius the water carrier, Pisces the fish