Wondering about wild grapes

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Wondering About Asterisms.

There is a difference between asterisms, asteroids, and hemorrhoids.  How many of you know what the difference is?  Well, it hurts when you sit on hemorrhoids, asteroids could hit you on the head, and you have all seen asterisms.  If any of you have ever looked up after dark, I bet you have seen some asterisms.  In fact, I will go out on a limb and bet every one of you have seen at least one asterism.

I guess for those who are not sure what an asterism is, I will give you the definition.  "An asterism is a pattern of stars seen in Earth's night sky."  OK, does that help at all?  How about some examples.  I bet everyone has seen the big and little dippers, right?  Well, at least everyone but those who live close to the south pole.  Both of those are asterisms that belong to larger constellations, Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.  This picture will show the asterism (brighter) and the complete constellation:

Yes, it is the great bear, but most people only see the dipper.  There are a lot more, but I believe this one can be identified by most everyone.  So, from now on, do not call the dippers constellations, because they are only part of a constellations.  Some asterisms are part of multiple constellations.  They are the pictures in the night sky.  Now, you all have a great day and a great night, you hear? 

4 comments:

  1. I think I have probably heard that some time during my life, but thank you for the diagram showing Ursa Major. I think in the back of my mind I always wondered what a dipper had to do with a bear and the picture you show really emphasizes it.

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    1. Most people only recognize the asterisms and not the complete constellation. The asterisms are also usually the brightest stars of the constellation.

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  2. Now my head hurts again! Think I'm seeing stars...!

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    1. Now that's funny "Think I'm seeing stars...". Now don't you know you are suppose to wait until it gets dark (grin).

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