A story about the night sky. “Description of the starry sky” essay. What are constellations

Pleshakov had a good idea - to create an atlas for children that would make it easy to identify stars and constellations. Our teachers picked up this idea and created their own atlas-identifier, which is even more informative and visual.

What are constellations?

If you look up into the sky on a clear night, you can see many sparkling lights of different sizes, like a scattering of diamonds, decorating the sky. These lights are called stars. Some of them seem to be collected in clusters and, upon prolonged examination, they can be divided into certain groups. Man called such groups “constellations.” Some of them may resemble the shape of a ladle or the intricate outlines of animals, however, in many respects this is just a figment of the imagination.

For many centuries, astronomers tried to study such clusters of stars and gave them mystical properties. People tried to systematize them and find a common pattern, and that’s how the constellations appeared. For a long time, constellations were carefully studied, some were divided into smaller ones, and they ceased to exist, and some, after clarification, were simply adjusted. For example, the constellation Argo was divided into smaller constellations: Compass, Carina, Parus, Poop.

The history of the origin of the names of the constellations is also very interesting. To make it easier to remember, they were given names united by one element or literary work. For example, it was noticed that during periods of heavy rain, the Sun rises from the direction of certain constellations, which were given the following names: Capricorn, Whale, Aquarius, and the constellation Pisces.

In order to bring all constellations to a certain classification, in 1930, at a meeting of the International Astronomical Union, it was decided to officially register 88 constellations. According to the decision made, constellations do not consist of groups of stars, but represent sections of the starry sky.

What are the constellations?

Constellations vary in the number and brightness of the stars that make up them. The 30 most noticeable groups of stars are identified. The largest constellation in terms of area is Ursa Major. It consists of 7 bright and 118 stars visible to the naked eye.

The smallest constellation, located in the southern hemisphere, is called the Southern Cross and cannot be seen with the naked eye. It consists of 5 bright and 25 less visible stars.

Lesser Horse is the smallest constellation in the northern hemisphere and consists of 10 faint stars that can be seen with the naked eye.

The most beautiful and brightest constellation is Orion. It consists of 120 stars visible to the naked eye, and 7 of them are very bright.

All constellations are conventionally divided into those located in the southern or northern hemisphere. Those who live in the southern hemisphere of the Earth cannot see star clusters located in the northern hemisphere and vice versa. Of the 88 constellations, 48 ​​are in the southern hemisphere, and 31 are in the northern hemisphere. The remaining 9 groups of stars are located in both hemispheres. The Northern Hemisphere is easily identified by the North Star, which always shines very brightly in the sky. She is the extreme star on the handle of the Ursa Minor dipper.

Due to the fact that the Earth rotates around the Sun, which prevents some constellations from being seen, the seasons change and the position of this star in the sky changes. For example, in winter the location of our planet in its circumsolar orbit is opposite to that in summer. Therefore, at each time of the year you can only see certain constellations. For example, in the summer, in the night sky you can see a triangle formed by the stars Altair, Vega and Deneb. In winter, there is an opportunity to admire the infinitely beautiful constellation Orion. That’s why they sometimes say: autumn constellations, winter, summer or spring constellations.

Constellations are best visible in the summer and it is advisable to observe them in open space, outside the city. Some stars can be seen with the naked eye, while others may require a telescope. The constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, as well as Cassiopeia, are best visible. In autumn and winter, the constellations Taurus and Orion are clearly visible.

Bright constellations that are visible in Russia

The most beautiful constellations of the northern hemisphere visible in Russia include: Orion, Ursa Major, Taurus, Canis Major, Canis Minor.

If you look closely at their location and give free rein to your imagination, you can see a hunting scene, which, like an ancient fresco, has been depicted in the sky for more than two thousand years. The brave hunter Orion is always depicted surrounded by animals. Taurus runs to his right, and the hunter swings his club at him. At Orion's feet are the faithful Canis Major and Canis Minor.

Constellation Orion

This is the largest and most colorful constellation. It is clearly visible in autumn and winter. Orion can be seen over the entire territory of Russia. The arrangement of its stars resembles the outline of a person.

The history of the formation of this constellation originates from ancient Greek myths. According to them, Orion was a brave and strong hunter, the son of Poseidon and the nymph Emvriala. He often hunted with Artemis, but one day, for defeating her during a hunt, he was struck by the goddess’s arrow and died. After death, he was turned into a constellation.

Orion's brightest star is Rigel. It is 25 thousand times brighter than the Sun and 33 times its size. This star has a bluish-white glow and is considered supergiant. However, despite such impressive dimensions, it is significantly smaller than Betelgeuse.

Betelgeuse adorns Orion's right shoulder. It is 450 times larger than the diameter of the Sun and if we put it in the place of our star, then this star will take the place of four planets before Mars. Betelgeuse shines 14,000 times brighter than the Sun.

The constellation Orion also includes nebulae and asterisms.

Constellation Taurus

Another large and unimaginably beautiful constellation of the northern hemisphere is Taurus. It is located northwest of Orion and is located between the constellations Aries and Gemini. Not far from Taurus there are such constellations as: Auriga, Cetus, Perseus, Eridanus.

This constellation in mid-latitudes can be observed throughout almost the entire year, with the exception of the second half of spring and early summer.

The history of the constellation dates back to ancient myths. They talk about Zeus turning into a calf in order to kidnap the goddess Europa and bring her to the island of Crete. This constellation was first described by Eudoxus, a mathematician who lived long before our era.

The brightest star not only of this constellation, but also of the other 12 groups of stars is Aldebaran. It is located on the head of Taurus and was previously called the “eye”. Aldebaran is 38 times the diameter of the Sun and 150 times brighter. This star is located 62 light years away from us.

The second brightest star in the constellation is Nat or El-Nat (the horns of the bull). It is located near Auriga. It is 700 times brighter than the Sun and 4.5 times larger.

Within the constellation there are two incredibly beautiful open clusters of stars, the Hyades and the Pleiades.

The age of the Hyades is 650 million years. They can be easily found in the starry sky thanks to Aldebaran, which is clearly visible among them. They include about 200 stars.

The Pleiades got its name from its nine parts. Seven of them are named after the seven sisters of Ancient Greece (the Pleiades), and two more are named after their parents. The Pleiades are very visible in winter. They include about 1000 stellar bodies.

An equally interesting formation in the constellation Taurus is the Crab Nebula. It was formed after a supernova explosion in 1054 and was discovered in 1731. The distance of the nebula from the Earth is 6500 light years, and its diameter is about 11 light years. years.

This constellation belongs to the Orion family and borders the constellations Orion, Unicorn, Canis Minor, and Hare.

The constellation Canis Major was first discovered by Ptolemy in the second century.

There is a myth according to which the Great Dog used to be Lelap. It was a very fast dog that could catch up with any prey. One day he chased a fox, which was not inferior to him in speed. The outcome of the race was a foregone conclusion, and Zeus turned both animals to stone. He placed the dog in heaven.

The constellation Canis Major is very visible in winter. The brightest star not only of this, but also of all other constellations is Sirius. It has a bluish luster and is located quite close to Earth, at a distance of 8.6 light years. In terms of brightness in our solar system, it is surpassed by Jupiter, Venus, and the Moon. Light from Sirius takes 9 years to reach Earth and is 24 times stronger than the sun. This star has a satellite called "Puppy".

The formation of such a concept as “Holidays” is associated with Sirius. The fact is that this star appeared in the sky during the summer heat. Since Sirius is translated from Greek as “canis,” the Greeks began to call this period vacation.

Constellation Canis Minor

Canis Minor borders on such constellations as: Unicorn, Hydra, Cancer, Gemini. This constellation represents the animal that, together with Canis Major, follows the hunter Orion.

The history of the formation of this constellation, if we rely on myths, is very interesting. According to them, Canis Minor is Mera, the dog of Icaria. This man was taught how to make wine by Dionysus and the drink turned out to be very strong. One day his guests decided that Ikaria had decided to poison them and killed him. The mayor was very sad for his owner and soon died. Zeus placed it in the form of a constellation in the starry sky.

This constellation is best observed in January and February.

The brightest stars in this constellation are Porcyon and Gomeisa. Porcyon is located 11.4 light years from Earth. It is somewhat brighter and hotter than the Sun, but physically differs little from it.

Gomeiza is visible to the naked eye and glows with a blue-white light.

Constellation Ursa Major

Ursa Major, shaped like a ladle, is one of the three largest constellations. It is mentioned in the writings of Homer and in the Bible. This constellation is very well studied and has great significance in many religions.

It borders with such constellations as: Waterfall, Leo, Canes Venatici, Dragon, Lynx.

According to ancient Greek myths, the Big Dipper is associated with Callisto, a beautiful nymph and lover of Zeus. His wife Hera turned Callisto into a bear as punishment. One day, this bear came across Hera and her son, Arcas, with Zeus in the forest. To avoid tragedy, Zeus turned his son and nymph into constellations.

The big ladle is formed by seven stars. The most striking of them are three: Dubhe, Alkaid, Aliot.

Dubhe is a red giant and points to the North Star. It is located 120 light years from Earth.

Alkaid, the third brightest star in the constellation, expresses the end of the tail of Ursa Major. It is located 100 light years away from Earth.

Alioth is the brightest star in the constellation. She represents the tail. Because of its brightness, it is used in navigation. Alioth shines 108 times brighter than the Sun.

These constellations are the brightest and most beautiful in the northern hemisphere. They can be perfectly seen with the naked eye on an autumn or frosty winter night. The legends of their formation allow your imagination to run wild and imagine how the mighty hunter Orion, together with his faithful dogs, runs after his prey, while Taurus and Ursa Major watch him closely.

Russia is located in the northern hemisphere, and in this part of the sky we are able to see only a few of all the constellations existing in the sky. Depending on the time of year, only their position in the sky changes.

Have you ever wondered how many stars there are in the sky? Or maybe they wanted to count them? The starry sky is a big mystery that has long attracted adults and children with unusual bright lights and interesting phenomena. But it turns out that the way we see it is just a beautiful wrapper, but in fact there is a whole star world with its own stories, adventures and other interesting events. Which ones exactly? Our fairy tale about the Bear and the North Star will tell about this. So make yourself comfortable.

An unusual star world or a fairy tale about the North Star and its friends

Since ancient times, the sky has been home to many small bright stars, which are perhaps the most beautiful creatures in the whole world. Their shining clothes are a real opportunity for pride, because they even attract people - strange creatures living on one of the planets. Why strange? Yes, because the stars could not understand their way of life: they were always in a hurry somewhere, not even knowing the way, exposing themselves to the danger of getting lost, rarely thinking about what the world really is like and what their purpose is. Worries, worries and worries. This is how their life passed on one of the most picturesque planets in the Universe.
It was completely incomprehensible to the small bright stars how they could live like this, because, unlike people, they were never in a hurry, they lived measuredly and constantly thought about the lofty things - the meaning of life, heavenly harmony and the incredible beauty of the Universe. Most of all they were interested and fascinated by the unusual laws that governed their world, which was called Cosmos. Comets, meteorites and entire systems of planets rushed through it at incredible speed, and their routes were so precise and harmonious that they did not collide with each other. This was the essence of celestial harmony - a very well-thought-out system of rules and laws that all celestial bodies strictly adhered to.
In their free time from thinking, the stars rejoiced in their outfits, sang star songs and even did a star dance. True, it was very different from what people understood by dance. The reason for this is simple - the stars were forbidden to move from place to place, so their movements were extremely limited. The little beauties were surprised by this, but they never became indignant or protested, realizing that this was one of the rules of heavenly harmony. In general, the habit of being indignant is also inherent only in people.


Once, during such entertainment, the North Star, the brightest star in the sky, began to talk about people:
- Look, they got lost again.
- Who? - asked one of her friends.
- Yes, sailors! We swam in the wrong direction. Well, how can you go on the road without understanding the cardinal directions at all?
“Indeed,” another heavenly beauty picked up her conversation, “the Chumaks are lost.” They will have to look for salt for a long time, if they find it at all.
“And if they find it, they’ll get lost again on the way home,” Polar Star laughed loudly and suddenly fell silent. She felt it was wrong to laugh at people who lived so far below. Good for them, the stars. From above you can really see everything perfectly. But is it really as easy to live without pointers?
The North Star was not only the brightest, but also very kind and smart. So she instantly came up with an interesting idea:
- What if we become signposts for people? We will show them the way. We still can’t move away from each other, so it will be easy for people to remember our individual groups and navigate in space. And for a better understanding, we will now quickly draw a map of the starry sky.
- Great idea! — one of her closest neighbors supported Polar Star. “And I also suggest that we come up with names for our groups.” For example, Mizar, Mirak and their friends look very much like a bear to me. Why don't they call it that?
- Hmm, you look like a little bear to me! - Mizar laughed.


- Ursa Major and Ursa Minor! - Polar Star summed up, - in my opinion, it sounds great. The fairy tale about the North Star and Ursa Minor is a good name for a new and interesting story.
- Polar Star, maybe you’ll fantasize about your adventures later, but now let’s finish what we started? - Mizar interrupted her thoughts.
- Yes, sure! We need to draw a map to help people.
This is how individual constellations were formed in the starry sky, and for a long time people have become accustomed to finding their way around them. Therefore, if you don’t know something, don’t forget to raise your head to the sky from time to time. Little bright beauties are always ready to help.

We have created more than 300 cat-free casseroles on the Dobranich website. Pragnemo perevoriti zvichaine vladannya spati u native ritual, spovveneni turboti ta tepla.Would you like to support our project? We will continue to write for you with renewed vigor!

“Today I’ll write a fairy tale,” Nikita said and froze, rushing into the sky...
-A fairy tale? - Mom was surprised, - what about?!
-Well, how about what?! - he answered drawlingly, - about the sky...
-Are there really fairy tales about heaven?
- Of course, mom. What are you doing?! Here look..

Once upon a time, a long time ago, when the sky was very small, it really dreamed of growing and turning into space or the universe. True, heaven did not fully understand the difference between these two words. But he was attracted to the vastness of the name... he felt that it was very cool to be a universe. Mother Earth punished him all the time:
-Well, where are you rushing, Nebushko?! You still have time to grow up...Look how good your life is. You have everything that the sky cannot live without: your sun friend, your cloud friends with clouds, and even your star brothers, who amuse you with their radiance even at night. What more could you ask for?!

But the sky was restless, it was waiting for dawn to think early about how amazing it is to be vast and beautiful...
“Nebushko,” my mother said affectionately, “I’ll be gone for a while.” I’ll dive to my grandmother-crater Vulcansha and to you... Don’t be bored. – The earth looked tenderly at the sky and left...

Hmm... - the sky stretched out, - what if I look over the horizon?! What's there?!
And the sky began to move the air with its arms in order to find itself on the horizon, and then beyond it... But the horizon kept running away from the sky. The sky was tired of chasing him and finally wanted to sleep. It was still early to sleep; the day on Earth was in full swing - noon. And yet, thought Heaven, once
I’m a little sky, then like all babies I’m supposed to have a nap during the day,” and finally closed my eyes... as darkness descended around me. The people who lived on earth did not understand why it became so dark.

Meanwhile, Mother Earth consulted with her grandmother on what to do: how to tell Heaven that he is the universe. That he is the ruler of the world. How to do this so that heaven does not become proud of its power, but conscientiously fulfills the powers entrusted to it by fate...
Grandmother Vulcan wisely remained silent...
“Listen, daughter,” she finally said. – Still, you can’t hide his power from him... We need to tell you. Tell him that he has been able to do everything for a long time, since birth. But all the good... From goodness he gains strength, the beauty of sunrises and the thoughtfulness of sunsets, the power of the gods... Only by doing Good can he be called the universe...
“You know, you’re right,” Earth noted, “I’ll say so.”

The earth came out of the crater and was taken aback. There is an impenetrable darkness all around. The sky even forgot to call the moon... People are rushing somewhere, in a panic.
-Sky! Wake up! What are you doing?! – the ground shook loudly. - Billions of destinies are on you!
-How?! What? - the sky asked sleepily, not understanding what mom was talking about... - I’m a little sky. What good am I?! I don't know how to control destinies...
-But no! - Mother Earth began. - I didn’t know how to tell you, but know: from birth you have a great responsibility for the fate of the world... You already exist - the universe, the cosmos... call yourself whatever you want... for people - you are the sky! Dear brooding sky! You can make them sad or happy... During the day, when you fell asleep, it scared everyone terribly. Everyone thought that the end of the world had come...
-Is it true?! Mom, I'm sorry, I didn't know... thank you for telling me... I will be responsible and will not hurt people.
-God willing...
-Mom, who is this?!

***
“This is such a fairy tale, mom...” Nikita finally smiled.
-Wow! - Mom was delighted, - What a great guy you are. Well, what is she talking about... did you understand?! – I decided to check my son a little more...
-You're funny, mom! About the fact that a person from birth is the universe! He can do anything!
- Of course, son, of course! – and she ruffled her son’s blond silky hair. - and now, go to bed! You told me a bedtime story, not me... growing up!

Kristina Naumtseva
Fairy tale for children “Star”

"Star"

High, high in the sky, where thunderclouds are born, a little star was born.

She was so beautiful that even her fellow stars admired the amazing beauty of the Star. Our beauty grew quickly, and the older she became, the more magnificent she was.

Stars are very hardworking people. In the morning they get up, clear the sky of clouds, warm everything around with warmth, shine brightly, show the way to wanderers setting off on a long journey. They really love to work and always do the work together.

But Star didn’t want to work; it seemed to her that she was special. And so she thought that there was no place for her with simple by the stars and decided to leave Houses:

I will go where I am valued and loved! - Star exclaimed and went home.

Wait, Star! We love and appreciate you, but mothers need to work and do good! - the other Stars shouted after her, but she no longer listened to them, walking off into the distance.

Whether long or short, she walked and walked and reached the edge of the sky. The little star looked at its reflection in the Heavenly River and accidentally fell to the Earth.

She splashed down a lot, and while she was getting up, rubbing her bruised sides, she saw people and animals crowding around her:

What kind of wonderful miracle is this? What a beauty! - exclaimed in the crowd.

I am real star. I fell from the sky! – explained the fallen Star.

You are beautiful, Star! - people admired.

From that day on, people came to admire Zvezdochka All: people painted pictures from it, took photographs Asterisk, wrote poems, odes and poems in honor of the extraordinary guest, sculpted sculptures and monuments Stars.

Now our Star has become real « star» .

This is how the star traveler’s life on Earth began. During the day, Zvezdochka was surrounded by many people, animals and even birds. And at night they dispersed, scattered and crawled into their homes, holes and nests. A « star» I was left completely alone. She wandered through deserted streets and roads, hoping to surprise at least someone with her beauty, but everyone was busy with their own affairs or shared this time with their friends and loved ones.

Time took its course and the Stars began to get used to the splendor, because external beauty is not so valuable compared to internal beauty, which is confirmed by good deeds and good deeds. They began to admire our beautiful Star less and less, and visit her less and less. And the star guest herself is tired of being just « star» . No one became her friend, no one saw her as a person, no one expected help from her.

And she yearned so much for her Stars in her native sky that hot tears began to roll from her beautiful eyes.

And Zvezdochka decided to definitely return home. She got ready for a long journey, said goodbye to the people, animals and birds, and went to where Heaven meets Earth.

Asterisk walked for a day, walked for a second, and on the third day, at the end of the day, she approached a dense forest. It was very dark in the forest, but the Star was bright and easily passed through the gloomy forest jungle.

Suddenly she heard desperate crying nearby.

Who's crying? – asked Star.

It was a little girl:

It's me! I'm lost. I decided to take a shortcut home from my grandparents, and I still don’t know how to get home. What should I do? - the girl sobbed.

I'll help you, girl, don't cry. I will light your way and you will find your home! – our Star reassured her.

Together, things go well. Less than half an hour had passed before the girl returned to her home.

Thank you, dear Star, I will never forget you! – the girl thanked her assistant.

And Star felt so pleased by her words that she began to shine even more beautifully and boldly continued on her way.

And she became stellar a traveler to help everyone she met on her way.

In one town she met an unhappy lover wandering in the night. He shed bitter tears because he had lost the ring he was carrying to his beloved. The star illuminated the earth for him, and the unhappy lover found what he had lost.

In another city, she warmed the poor beggars, chilled by the terrible cold. The star hugged them with her warm rays, and with her kindness warmed not only the body, but also the heart.

And in the third place, passing by the house, she heard quiet crying. The Star Traveler looked out the window. It was a small blond boy with frightened, tear-stained eyes.

Why are you crying? – asked Star.

I'm afraid of the dark, I'm very scared alone. - the baby stammered.

Let me stay with you until the morning. I'm bright and you won't be scared.

And Zvezdochka sat until dawn with the little boy, who, having calmed down, immediately fell asleep, snoring pleasantly.

The next morning, Star continued on her way. She now realized that the greatest happiness is giving joy to others.

And finally, she reached the place where Heaven meets Earth. Time passed towards evening.

How I would like to be with my Stars now! – the traveler sighed.

And suddenly she saw the brightest and most amazing thing that she could only see in her life - Starlight. These were lovely Stars. They had been waiting for her to return home for a long time.

Forgive me, dear ones. – said the Star.

And they, of course, forgave her, because they had been waiting for Zvezdochka back for a long time.

And Zvezdochka now began to work from the heart, to shine brightly with all her might, because she was now an adult and smart Star.

Here's ours the end of the fairy tale. And whoever listened and read it is truly a great guy!