How well do you know constellations? Find out with this fun, space-themed quiz 

Looking up at the sky every night is always a mesmerising experience. All space and astronomy lovers out there are most likely aware of the various celestial phenomena and the stories behind them. One of the most fascinating aspects when it comes to space are constellations. Not only are they stunning to look at, they also have various myths and history surrounding them. A constellation is essentially an area in the celestial sphere in which a collective of stars forms a specific outline or pattern. They usually resemble a mythological creature or an animal. Take this fun, space-themed quiz to see how well you understand constellations. 

Q1. The stars in a constellation have this aspect in common. 

1. Size 

2. General direction from Earth 

3. Brightness 

4. Distance from Earth 

Q2. Which constellation contains the Big Dipper? 

1. Scorpio 

2. Polaria 

3. Ursa Major 

4. Draco 

Q3. Which one of these constellations is visible from the North Pole? 

1. Little Dipper 

2. Canis Major 

3. Libra 

4. Capricorn 

Q4. Which one of the following is a constellation? 

1. Polaris 

2. Sirius 

3. Orion 

4. Betelgeuse 

Q5. Which one of these constellations is referred to as ‘the Queen’? 

1. Lupus 

2. Cassiopeia 

3. Pisces 

4. Triangulum 

ANSWERS 

Q1. (b) 
As the Earth rotates, stars in space move from east to west. This is also the direction in which the sun and the moon move. This is the case for all stars, even the ones forming constellations- they all have the same direction from our planet. 

Q2. (c) 
The Ursa Major is a constellation which is located in the northern sky. Its name, which is of Latin origin, translates to “greater she-bear.” The Big Dipper, also referred to as the Plough, is a massive asterism. It consists of the seven bright stars which are a part of the Ursa Major. 

Q3. (a) 
The Little Bear, which is also known as Ursa Minor, is a constellation which is located in the Northern hemisphere. Many of the stars which are a part of it now were former North Pole Stars. This constellation is visible from the North Pole between +90o and -10o. It is the clearest to view in June at around 9 pm.  

Q4. (c) 
Orion is an extremely prominent constellation, and is one of the most easily recognisable ones from Earth. It is located on the celestial equator, and can be seen from all parts of the world. It is named after Orion, a hunter in Greek mythology.  

Q5. (b) 
Cassiopeia is a large constellation which is located in the northern sky. It is also referred to as ‘The Queen’ as it was named after the vain queen Cassiopeia from Greek mythology. It is believed that she took immense pride in her unravelled beauty.