CONSTELLATIONS - THE UNCHANGING SKY

The Unchanging Sky

When we arrange the stars into constellations
it helps us to map the sky
Click on image for full size (85k)

The unvarying aspect of the relationships of the stars' positions may have suggested to the ancients something that was analogous to their beliefs about the universe. It is not surprising that they chose to express their beliefs metaphorically, believing that groups of stars, constellations, and moving planets were associated with their deeply held stories of the creation, sustenance, and destruction of the universe. Human beings, even now, use metaphor to express deeply held beliefs, in the poetry and art of societies.

In more modern times some of the ancient designations for star arrangements have remained, giving us a flavor of what the world felt like when the sky was "closer". The names, positions and groupings of stars help us to give order to the sky in our minds.

It all depends on your point of view

Last modified prior to September, 2000 by the Windows Team

The source of this material is Windows to the Universe, at http://www.windows.ucar.edu/ at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). © The Regents of the University of Michigan. Windows to the Universe® is a registered trademark of UCAR. All Rights Reserved. Site policies and disclaimer

The Unchanging Sky

When we arrange the stars into constellations it helps us to map the sky Click on image for full size (85k)

When we arrange the stars into constellations
it helps us to map the sky
Click on image for full size (85k)