How does our view of the night sky change through the year? As Earth moves along its orbit around the Sun, the night side of our planet faces in different directions at different times of the year.
In one day alone, the stars do not appear to have changed very much, but as the seasons change, the winter constellations of Orion and Canis Major are replaced in summer by the curling tail of Scorpius and the stars of the Summer Triangle.
This effect is strongest near the celestial equator; stars that are very nearly above or below the poles, such as the Polaris or the stars of the Big Dipper -- so-called "circumpolar" stars, remain visible throughout the year. »FAQs about StarDate Online
Contact | About | Friends of McDonald | Sign up for Sky Tips
