The north star, polaris, is part of the ______________ of stars called Ursa Minor

The north star, polaris, is part of the ______________ of stars called Ursa Minor

• A. Galaxy
• B. Nebula
• C. Solar system
• D. Constellation

Answer: (D)

A group of stars that forms a recognizable pattern in the night sky is called a constellation. Ursa Minor is one of these patterns, the shape known as the Little Dipper, and Polaris sits at the end of its handle. Because Polaris is a star within that pattern, Ursa Minor is classified as a constellation. It’s not a galaxy (an enormous system of stars scattered across the universe), not a nebula (a cloud of gas and dust), and not a solar system (a star with its orbiting planets). Constellations are useful for identifying parts of the sky and helping with navigation, with Polaris near the north celestial pole guiding directions.

A group of stars that forms a recognizable pattern in the night sky is called a constellation. Ursa Minor is one of these patterns, the shape known as the Little Dipper, and Polaris sits at the end of its handle. Because Polaris is a star within that pattern, Ursa Minor is classified as a constellation. It’s not a galaxy (an enormous system of stars scattered across the universe), not a nebula (a cloud of gas and dust), and not a solar system (a star with its orbiting planets). Constellations are useful for identifying parts of the sky and helping with navigation, with Polaris near the north celestial pole guiding directions.