Spot Harry Potter, Usain Bolt, Serena Williams in the night-sky!
We have all read about constellations like Orion, Ursa Major, Cygnus; but astronomers have now created eight new constellations based on modern-day figures like Harry Potter (for JK Rowling), athlete Usain Bolt, tennis-star Serena Williams, Malala Yousafzai. The UK's University of Birmingham researchers created these constellations to inspire youngsters to take more interest in stargazing. Here's more about the brand new groups of stars!
University of Birmingham worked with "The Big Bang Fair"
The new constellations were developed under the "Look Up to The Stars" project, which is a brainchild of the annual "The Big Bang Fair" science education event for youngsters. For creating these constellations, astronomers and researchers carefully analyzed the star maps in different regions of the sky. Shapes of constellations include Harry Potter's glasses, Paddington Bear's boots, and Serena Williams's racket among others.
Newly-created constellations aren't officially recognized
A study conducted at the launch of the "Look Up to The Stars" project showed that 72% of the youngsters never looked up at the sky to find constellations. Researchers found the traditional classical constellations, based on ancient mythological characters and the zodiac, were failing to develop interest in children. So, new constellations were created; they aren't official but attempt to inspire kids.
Interest in space, astronomy
Emma Willet, who led the University of Birmingham's research team, stated: "We really hope these new creations will help people of all ages develop their interest in space and astronomy, working to inspire the next generation of astronomers to take an interest in the field."
New creations include well-known stars
Researchers at the university said that the newly identified star formations include well-known stars. These new groups of stars were created in such a manner that they incorporate popular stars, so that people can easily find them in the night sky. While these aren't officially recognized, the International Astronomical Union has recognized 88 existing constellations as of now.
Eight new star alignments for the modern day
Each of the new constellations represents a famous personality. They include Harry Potter's round-rimmed glasses for JK Rowling, a tennis-racket representing Serena Williams, a book for Malala Yousafzai, a spacecraft for astronaut Tim Peake, and a blue whale in honor of naturalist/broadcaster Sir David Attenborough. Athlete Usain Bolt is represented by his celebratory lightning-bolt stance, while Sir Mo Farah, by an "M" shaped formation.
