Zeus placed him in the sky after his death because he was descendant of one of Zeus’s great loves. He tried to save his wife and kingdom after Cassiopeia started trouble with her vanity. Cepheus was King and husband to Cassiopeia. Looking for easy to print activities, and inexpensive problem-based challenges?Ĭlick below to get your quick and easy STEM challenges.Ĭepheus is a large constellation and home to the Garnet Star, one of the largest known stars in the Milky Way Galaxy. Zeus sent an eagle to retrieve the lyre and placed both Orpheus and his lyre into the sky. Orpheus was eventually killed by Bacchantes who threw his lyre into the river. In the famous story about the Argonauts crossing the ocean filled with Sirens who sang songs (which enticed the sailors to come to them, thus crashing their ships) it was Orpheus who played his lyre and drowned out even the Sirens with his beautiful music, making the sailors safely get to shore. He was known to be able to charm everyone with his music. When he was young, Apollo gave Orpheus a golden lyre and taught him to play. This constellation represents a lyre, a popular musical instrument and goes with the myth of the Greek musician and poet Orpheus. Leo is a Zodiac constellation and one of the largest and oldest in the sky. Orion’s belt is a string of very bright stars that is very easy to find and well known. His constellation can be found facing a bull or chasing the Pleiades sisters in the sky. In mythology, Orion was known as one of the most handsome men. The Big Dipper is used often to find the North Star, making it useful for directions. Once you can find it, you can find the Little Dipper which is also part of a larger constellation, Ursa Minor (the Little Bear). It is actually part of a larger constellation, Ursa Major (the Great Bear). This is one of the most well known and easiest things in the sky to spot. CONSTELLATIONS YOU MAY SEE: The Big Dipper Constellations are named from what they form or sometimes they are given the name of a mythological figure. Learn a bit about the constellations in the night sky! This constellation craft is a great way to incorporate hands-on learning and simple astronomy.Ī constellation is simply a group of stars that forms a recognizable pattern.

Perfect for space theme for kids! AWESOME CONSTELLATION ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS! Why not try this easy to print and set up constellation craft and constellation activities. Between the weather changes and everyone’s schedule, getting outside at the perfect time isn’t always possible. Big Dipper, alternative name for a roller coaster ride, especially in the United Kingdom.Have you ever stopped and gazed at the stars on a clear dark night? It’s one of my favorite things to do when we have a quiet evening and the conditions cooperate.Big Dipper is the American name for the seven brightest stars of Ursa Major.

Big dipper facts for kids