Ep. 157: Constellations

Ursa Major

Did you know there are 88 constellations in the night sky? Let's learn about the constellations and other star formations, their history, their connection to the zodiac, and how to find some of them.

Ep. 157: Constellations

• The 88 Constellations — Universe Today's Guide to Space
• FAQ's on Constellations -- St. John's U/College of St. Benedict
• Brief History of Astronomy — UC San Diego
• Asterisms (includes a list) — SEDS
• International Astronomical Union
• Eugene Delporte
• Henry Draper Catalogue — Wiki
• The Henry Draper Catalogue from SkyMap
• Zodiacal Constellations
• Early Chinese Astronomy — Ephemeris.com
• Astronomy in Ancient India – Ephemeris.com
• Sidereal Day — Universe Today
• Barnard's Star — SolStation
• Star Wheel — Astronomy in Your Hands
• Sky & Telescope
• Astronomy Software:  The Sky
• Astronomy Software:  Stellarium (free)
• WorldWide Telescope (free)
• Book:  "The Stars:  A New Way to See Them" by H.A. Rey
• Quadrantids –Windows the the Universe

1. Sticks Says:
   October 30th, 2009 at 12:19 pm

   I did my own thing on constellations on YouTube

   here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63h_mso4xLE

2. Alex Says:
   October 31st, 2009 at 1:44 am

   Finally an episode! what took you guys so long!!?
   and Happy Halloween!!!

3. Taras Hnatyshyn Says:
   November 2nd, 2009 at 8:33 am

   Fraser and Pamela,

   You guys got sidereal and solar days mixed up in the podcast. It is the Solar day that is about four minutes longer as the Earth needs to rotate about a degree more to get the sun in the same position in the sky as opposed to the stars. The stars rise about 4 minutes earlier each night, which is why the sidereal day is only about 23h 56m 4.1s in length.

   Taras

4. james in uk Says:
   November 13th, 2009 at 7:02 am

   wonderful show!
   thank u.