I have always admired the sky. I do not think enough people stop and look up. I am constantly telling my fiancé to look at the sky and how beautiful it is. He often gives me a one-word response such as nice, or yep. I wish more people enjoyed such beauty that nature provides. I think living near the city is often why people often forget to look up because you do not see as much as out in the country. I took a trip to Glacier National Park last year. We always went to bed before the night fell dark except one night. We were driving back to our campsite and had an argument upon arrival. When we stepped out of the car both of us stopped arguing as the view was out of the world. There were so many stars that were filling the night sky it took our breath away. It was so bright and beautiful. I was showing my fiancé the different stars, plants, satellites, and constellations that were visible. I am always amazed by what goes on up there, it truly is remarkable. That is why I chose the topic constellations.
Below is a link to an interactive map to look at constellations in the night sky. There are many out there here is just one.
https://in-the-sky.org/skymap.php
What do I already know about this topic?
I took astronomy in middle school and high school. I also took a course in college. I also enjoy going to planetariums and watching the starry night shows. When there are things happening up in the sky I try to check it out. I know there are 12 constellations in the Western Zodiac. They are, Aries, taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo. Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. A constellation is a group of stars. They move across the sky from east to west and are visible during certain months. People normally associate their birthday with a Zodiac Constellation. Mine is Aquarius. I know the stars are very important to early farmers, explores, and travelers. I know a few other constellations not a part of the Zodiac Sign. They are the Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, and Cassiopeia constellations. I did a project in middle school of Cassiopeia. It is a group of stars that forms a "w" stretched out. I feel like I know the some of the basics and maybe can identify parts of other constellations in the night sky but not the mythology.
What is the mythology behind each constellation in the Western Zodiac?
What are the other constellations not a part of the Western Zodiac?
How do/did explorers use the constellations?
Who discovered the Western Zodiac Signs?
Resources to further help my research:
