X is a group of stars which is visible during the summer season in the early part of the night. It can be seen clearly in .the month of April in the northern part of the sky. It resembles a bowl with a handle. It also resembles a big kite with a tail.

(a) What is the general name of groups of stars like X?


(b) Write any two names of X.


(c) Is it a part of our Solar System?


(d) How many bright stars are usually observed in X?


(e) Which famous star can be located in the sky with the help of X?

(a) The general name for the group of stars like X is a constellation. The stars forming a group that has a recognisable shape is called a constellation. We can easily identify them in the night sky. Ursa Major and Orion are the examples of the constellations.

(b) X is the Ursa Major constellation. It is also known as the Big Dipper, the Great Bear or the Saptarshi. There are seven prominent stars in this constellation. It appears like a big ladle or a question mark. There are three stars in the handle of the ladle and four in its bowl.


(c) Constellations is a group of stars forming a group that has a recognizable shape. Yes, Ursa Major is a part of our Solar System.


(d) There are seven prominent stars in the Ursa Major constellation. It appears like a big ladle or a question mark. There are three stars in the handle of the ladle and four in its bowl.


(e) Pole star can be located with the help of Ursa Major. It is located by drawing an imaginary line passing through the two stars at the end of Ursa Major. This imaginary line is extended towards the North direction, which is about five times the distance between the two lines. This line will lead to a star which is not too bright. This star is Pole star.


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