We know winter begins at 12:22 am Universal time on December 22nd (7:22 pm EST on December 21st.) Why the time difference?
2006-11-08 13:51:05 · 3 answers · asked by ZORRO 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Which constellations are we talking about?
2006-11-08 13:56:48 · update #1
yes
2006-11-08 13:54:39 · answer #1 · answered by us citizen 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. It's been so long since I lived in the northern hemisphere that I've forgotten the northern constellations. But down here in NZ the Pleiades are only visible for the few months beginning in the last few days of May. The Maori name for the Pleiades is matariki, which means small eyes. It's also the name of the Maori new year, which begins with the first new moon after they appear over the horizon. That's approximately the start of our winter and the northern hemisphere summer.
2006-11-08 22:41:20 · answer #2 · answered by zee_prime 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, our seasons are based upon the Earth revolving around the sun. The constellations are approximately in the same position from year to year, but our solar system is moving around the center of our galaxy which is also speeding across the universe. Due to this additional motion the constellations are not necessarily an accurate measure.
2006-11-08 22:18:43 · answer #3 · answered by Texan Pete 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋