CLASS 5 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE
Cardinal directions and the starry sky – basic principles
How it works
The cardinal directions (north, east, south, west) help us orient ourselves on Earth. They can be determined with the help of the Sun, a compass, or certain stars. The starry sky changes over the course of the night and the year because the Earth rotates and moves around the Sun. Certain constellations are typical for certain seasons and regions. The North Star always points approximately north in the Northern Hemisphere.
Note
The cardinal directions are determined by astronomical observations (e.g. the Sun’s position, the North Star) or technical aids (compass). Constellations and their positions in the sky change depending on the time of day, the season, and the location.
The cardinal directions are determined by astronomical observations (e.g. the Sun’s position, the North Star) or technical aids (compass). Constellations and their positions in the sky change depending on the time of day, the season, and the location.
An example
Which star helps you determine the direction north in the Northern Hemisphere?
The North Star helps determine the direction north in the Northern Hemisphere because it is located almost exactly above the geographic North Pole.
Try it yourself now
50 Exercises
To the learning unit →Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: Astronomy. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.