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The constellations are simply stars out in space - as Earth rotates, everything appears to move across the sky. Earth also moves around the Sun throughout the year, so the stars that are behind the sun in the summer, are the ones we see at night in winter.
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Are constellations always in the same part of the sky?
No - as Earth rotates the stars and constellations seem to move. Also, as Earth orbits the sun over the course of a year, the stars we see at night in the winter are different than the stars we see at night in the summer. Same with Spring and Fall.
The fact that the constellations seem to change throughout the year is proof that what is happening?
It's proof that the Earth is rotating.
How can you tell the time of year without looking at a calendar or clock (by looking at the sky)?
During the year, due to the earth's orbit, different constellations appear during different seasons. You can use the constellations to determine the time of year.
Why you see different constellations of stars during a year?
the earth's rotation
What motion of earth makes it seem as if the stars and constellations are in different positions at different times of the year?
Earth orbiting the sun
Do circumpolar constellations move out of sight during the year?
No. "Circumpolar" means they remain above the horizon. The only way for that to change is if you travel somewhere else (further south, if you live north of the equator).
Which constellations can be seen all year?
The circumpolar constellations
Why are some constellations visible during winter months and not during the summer?
Because the constellations that are visible during winter are on the other side of the sun during the summer. During the year the earth spins around the sun like a big satellite. So while the earth is constantly moving, the distance that the stars are away from us cause them to look stationary from our point of view some constellations can only be seen a few months out of the year.
Placements of constellations during seasons?
The different seasons correspond to different constellations. As Earth orbits the sun during the year, we look out at different parts of space and see different patterns of stars as they come into view.
Why are constellations seen in different places at different times?
There are two reasons. First, the Earth is rotating, so over the course of a night they seem to move across the sky. Second, the Earth is orbiting the sun, so we are looking at different parts of the sky throughout the year. However, at the same time on the same date of the year, you will see the constellations in the same places. So you can tell the time of year and even the time of night by looking at them.
What are some seasonal constellations?
Most constellations are seasonal, meaning they appear in the sky during reasonable evening hours only at certain times of the year. For example, Orion is a popular winter constellation. Only circumpolar constellations are not seasonal.
How did Ptolemy explain the change of constellations during the year?
All the constellations were fixed to a crystal sphere that rotates at a slightly different rate from the Sun's rotation rate. So while the Sun goes round 365 times in a year, the sphere of the constellations go round 366 times.
