Question

1. Name several constellations that are visible every night here in Bellingham, WA during all 12 months of the year. Why are these constellations always visible whereas others are seasonal?

Answer 1

Answer:

Big Dipper, Little Dipper, Cassiopeia, Cepheus

Explanation:

In this region, the above constellations are circumpolar. This means that they appear above the horizon at all times. These are only visible all rear round for people living in Canada and Northern United States.

Circumpolar constellations are constellations that never appear below the horizon when seen from a particular location on planet Earth. Furthermore, these constellations can be seen all year while others are only seen at specific times during the year; thus they are known as seasonal constellations.

Five northern constellations are visible from most locations that are north of the equator. These are Cassiopeia, Cepheus, Draco, Ursa Major, and Ursa Minor.

Note that  Ursa Major is often confused with the Big Dipper. While the Little Dipper (which is much fainter) is found in the Ursa Minor constellation. Cassiopeia can be recognized due to its W shape which is quite prominent.