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Constellation Our Sun Resides
Name: Ed
Status: other
Grade: other
Location: NV
Country: N/A
Date: N/A
Question:
What constellation is our solar system in?
Replies:
Ed,
Constellations are really human inventions; our way of describing
patterns in the night sky as seen from Earth. As such, the solar
system is not really a part of any constellation since our place is
the origin, the viewing point of all these patterns, constellations.
Greg (Roberto Gregorius)
The Solar System is in no constellation. However, due to the
Earth's orbital motion around the Sun, the Sun travels through 13
constellations throughout the year. These are (from the northern
Vernal Equinox, 21st March); Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer,
Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpius (its proper name), Ophiuchus, Sagittarius,
Capricornus (again, its proper name), and finally, Aquarius.
The planets travel past these constellations as well, but at
various speeds (their own orbital motions) and different temporary
directions (S bends or 'looping the loop') caused by the Earth's own
movement in relation to the planet concerned.
Howard Barnes.
Astronomer.
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Update: June 2012
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