Constellations
By: Taylor

A constellation is group of stars/ other shapes to form a pattern in the sky. A famous example of a constellation is known as the big dipper. The big dipper contains a total of seven stars that completes the constellations figure. Although the big dipper is a famous constellation around the world it is not the only constellation that exists today.
Every constellation in the night sky is part of what is referred to as the International Astronomical Union (IAU). These large sums of constellations group are stars that are considered to be part of a larger constellation called Ursa Major. There are different meaning for Ursa Major for different countries however it is known to take the shape of a bear and can be seen mostly in the northern hemisphere of the Earth.
Constellation may be used to help other keep track of their location however in America they also have another purpose. We use constellations to mark our birthdays. These Constellations are also used for other purposes however they are not commonly used otherwise in the U.S.
Although constellations may look relatively close from the ground they are actually very far apart. Many different astronomers could see the same thing, showing the same images throughout the night sky. We are also aware that because of the rotation of the Earth and orbit around the sun some constellation are always in the sky and others disappear. Constellations that disappear from the night sky are formally known as seasonal constellations, however if a constellation remain in the sky throughout an entire year it is known as circumpolar.
In the northern hemisphere you might find stars such as Bootes, Cancer, Crater, Hydra, Leo, Virgo, Hercules, Lyra, Ophiuchus, and many other varieties constellations. Each constellation is different and can take on many different shapes. Hercules for example takes the form of a man where Leo would be seen as a lion in the night sky. The constellations are all unique and can been seen at different times throughout the coarse of the year.
If you were to look into the southern hemisphere you would most likely see a different set of constellation then you saw in the northern hemisphere. However some constellations can be seen in both hemispheres. The constellation you might see in the southern hemisphere consist of Pisces, Andromeda, Capricornus, Cetus, Gemini, Orion and others that may appear during the year.
Constellations are used in many different ways for people all over the world. Myths have even been created to tell the stories of the stars. We are now able to photograph and study constellation more closely. The enjoyment of seeing a shape or pattern in the night sky has been consistent through past and future generation.
REFERENCES/SOURCES:
WWW.Wikipedia.com
www.google.com