Chapter 2, Problem 1RQ

Why have astronomers added modern constellations to the sky?

To determine

Why the astronomers have added modern constellations to the sky.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

The astronomers have added modern constellations to the sky to include faint stars and to define constellation boundaries.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Constellations are groups of stars in the sky that have been seen to have a definite pattern and occupy a defined area in the sky. The patterns of stars have been studied from ancient times and have been accorded with names of illustrious heroes.

The known stars were grouped into constellations and 48 constellations were known from ancient times. But the skies also have many faint stars, which were not grouped into any constellation. Further, there existed a dispute in a star being a part of a constellation. A star could be a part of two different constellations. The boundaries of the constellations were not defined.

Therefore, the astronomers have included the faint stars in the sky into constellations, by creating new constellations. The boundaries of the constellations were fixed and the disagreement regarding the stars and the constellation they belonged to was resolved.

The International Astronomical Union has now recognized 88 constellations and has defined the constellations as an area in the sky and all the stars in the area were a part of the constellation. This definition of the constellation included all the stars, faint or otherwise into a constellation, based on the area they occupy in the sky. Since the areas in the sky were clearly demarcated, the boundaries of the constellations became more distinct.

Conclusion:

Thus, the astronomers have added modern constellations to the sky to include faint stars and to define constellation boundaries.