We've had some fun random quizzes now and then in the off-topic thread, and I thought we ought to open a thread where everyone can post these sorts of things. If you've got links to internet quizzes, teasers, illusions, or if you've made up your own, here's where you can share them.
Here's a quick one to start us off: How many of the following asterisms can you identify? Screenshots taken in Space Engine ~1AU from Sol with 33° FOV, and only catalog objects are shown (and no planets). The constellations in question are centered in the view. They'll start off fairly easy but the last ones I think are probably really tough!
Some hints: In Greek mythology, 4 married with a neighboring constellation after rescuing her from a terrible fate. It is also a source of one of the best annual meteor showers. 7, 8, and 9 are all zodiac signs. 10 is a northern constellation that sounds like footwear. 11 is a southern constellation whose name rhymes with one of the others on this list.
Oh certainly! It's a feature of the southern sky in much the same way that Ursa Major is a feature of the northern, perhaps even more so. Since most of us are in the north though I imagined few would be sufficiently familiar with it.
I usually think of Orion as the most conspicuous one, especially since it is visible from almost everywhere.
I usually think of Orion as the most conspicuous one, especially since it is visible from almost everywhere.
Orion is more conspicuous, but Crux sure stands out, and its compactness and simplicity coupled with its brightness makes it extremely recognizable and memorable. I hope to be able to see it myself someday.
All forum users, please read this! My SE mods and addons Phenom II X6 1090T 3.2 GHz, 16 GB DDR3 RAM, GTX 970 3584 MB VRAM