Question

Patterns of the stars in the sky are called
A) Confrontations
B) Comprehensions
C) Configurations
D) Constellations

Answer 1

Hint: With our naked eye, we can see around 2000-3000 stars. Patterns of stars in the sky can be grouped into familiar-looking figures. People of every culture throughout history have looked at the stars in the sky and given names to figures they saw in the ancient times, these groups of stars used to help the explorers in navigation.

Complete answer:
The patterns of stars are usually called constellations. Astronomers usually use the term constellation to refer to an area of the sky. Till now, 88 constellations are officially recognized. Stars in constellations are not close to one another. Each constellation is a group of stars. And these stars are distributed in space in three dimensions. They have different distances from Earth. But, the stars in a constellation appear to be in the same plane as they are very far from the earth. Stars vary greatly in temperature, size and distance from Earth.
The seven star pattern-the big dipper- is not technically a constellation. Rather, it is an asterism—a prominent group of stars or star pattern that is smaller than a constellation. It is considered a landmark.

Therefore, the answer is option (D).

Note:
Constellations had a significant role in navigation for explorers of the oceans and earth's surface; navigators created star charts to help them find their way around the earth. Many cultures have developed their own constellation figures. Constellations are useful in tracking artificial satellites and in also assisting navigators and astronomers to locate certain stars.