Constellations Knowledge Cards
“People have been inventing constellations–imaginary shapes made by mentally connecting the astral dots–for at least 6,000 years. Constellations are celestial landmarks that provide mnemonic assistance to astronomers, farmers, & sailors, & quiet pleasure to the rest of the us.
This deck of 48 cards presents a concise but highly informative look at 47 star groups. Each card has a chart of a constellation on the front; its position & area, brightest star & number of visible constituent stars, & zodiac sign appear on the back, with notes about the constellation’s origin & history. (For example, what the Greeks saw as Cancer, the crab, was Scarabaeus–the beetle–to the Egyptians.) The 48th card has a glossary of astronomical terms on the front & general information about the heavens on the back. These cards are a great way to learn to navigate the night sky.”
