Celestial Bodies, Stars,Constellation,Solar System-Astronomy Notes

What are Celestial Bodies?

 Stars

What is called a Constellation?

Constellations are the various patterns formed by different groups of stars. 

eg:- Ursa Major or Big Bear 

Saptarishi:
 One of the most easily recognisable constellation is the Saptarishi (Sapta-seven, rishi-sages). It is a group of seven stars that forms a part of Ursa Major Constellation. 

Pole Star/North Star

In ancient times, people used to determine directions during the night with the help of stars. 

The North star indicates the north direction. It is also called the Pole Star. 

It always remains in the same position in the sky. 

We can locate the position of the Pole Star with the help of the Saptarishi.

 

Planets

Planets are the celestial bodies do not have their own heat and light. 

They are lit by the light of the stars. 

  The word ‘planet’ comes from the Greek word “Planetai” which means ‘wanderers’.

for example, the earth on which we live is a planet. It gets all its heat and light from the sun, which is our nearest star.

If we look at the earth from a great distance,  it will appear to be shining just as the moon.

 

Satellite

The celestial bodies that moves around the planets.

The moon that we see in the sky is a satellite. It is acompanion of our earth and moves round it. 

 

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