NCERT Class 6 Geo Chap – 1 – Page 2
What are Constellations ? What is Ursa Major ? Check More Info What are Planets ? Moon a Satellite Pointer Stars North Star / Pole Star Check More Info (Next Page) Orion (The Hunter) Leo Cassiopeia Virgo Hydra

What are Constellations ?

A constellation is an imaginary outline or pattern formed
by a group of stars on the celestial sphere, typically
representing an animal, mythological person or creature,
god, or inanimate object. Let us look at some other
Constellations not mentioned in NCERT !

What is Ursa Major ?

Ursa Major also known as Great Bear or Saptarishi
consists of seven bright stars, which appear in the
shape of a bear. It is visible during the summer season
in the early part of the night and can be seen clearly
during the month of April in the northern part of the sky.
It also helps us to locate the position of the pole star in
the sky. At night it appears to move from east to west as
the pole star remains fixed in its position.

What are Planets ?

A planet is a celestial body that orbits a star. The word
planet comes from the Greek word "Planetai", which
means "wanderers".
According to the International Astronomical Union (IAU),
a celestial body is considered a planet if it meets the
following three criteria: 
1.It is in orbit around the Sun.
2.It has sufficient mass to assume hydrostatic
equilibrium (a nearly round shape).
3.It has “cleared the neighborhood” around its orbit.

Moon a Satellite

A satellite is an object that orbits a larger object, and
the moon is a natural satellite of the Earth.

Pointer Stars

Locate the quadrilateral at the end of the constellation
and select the two stars on the far side of the
quadrilateral. Imagine a line connecting the two stars .
Extend the line towards the top of the ladle or in the
north direction. The faint star that meets the line is the
Pole Star

Orion (The Hunter)

Orion (The Hunter): This constellation is also known as
hunter. The Indian name is Mriga. It consists of seven or
eight bright stars. This constellation is visible in the sky
during the winter season in the late evening.

Leo

Leo Major is often associated with the majestic lion.It
represents the lion in various mythological and cultural
contexts, symbolizing strength, courage, and leadership.
It is easily recognizable due to its distinct backward
question mark shape, known as the "Sickle," which
forms the lion's head.Leo Major contains several
bright stars, including Regulus, the brightest star
in the constellation.

Cassiopeia

Cassiopeia is a prominent constellation in the northern
sky, easily recognizable by its distinctive "W" or "M"
shape, depending on its position in the sky. It is named
after the vain queen Cassiopeia in Greek mythology.
In Hindu mythology, it is associated with Sharmishtha. 
The constellation is also known for hosting several deep-
sky objects, including the Cassiopeia A supernova
remnant. 

Virgo

Virgo is a zodiacal constellation located in the southern
sky, known for being the second-largest constellation
in the sky and the largest of the zodiac constellation.
Virgo lies between the constellations Leo and Libra

Hydra

The Hydra constellation is the largest constellation in
the night sky, spanning over 1,303 square degrees, and
is known for its elongated shape resembling a water
snake or sea serpent. It's visible in the southern sky