Astronomy/constellation

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Expert: - 4/26/2010


Question
In which constellation do the Earth belong to?

Answer
Hello,

The assignment of constellations is based on a geocentric perspective. That means, they're designated from an Earth-based orientation. Since Earth is the source from which the assignments are made, one may say it belongs to NO constellation. Further, the designations of constellation are generally reserved for groups of stars, not planets. (since planetary positions are ephemeral, transitory).

Does the Sun perhaps belong to some (alien) constellation? Maybe. Advanced extraterrestrial civilizations may inhabit other distant solar systems, and perhaps *for them* the Sun is a part of one of their major (or minor) constellations!  

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Philip Stahl

Expertise

I have forty years of experience in Astronomy, specifically solar and space physics. My specialties include the physics of solar flares, sunspots, including their effects on Earth and statistics as applied to astronomical investigations.

Experience

Astronomy: more than forty years experience starting with construction of my own simple telescopes. Worked at university observatory in college, doing astrographic measurements. M.Phil. degree in Physics/Solar Physics and more than ten years as researcher.

Organizations
American Astronomical Society (Solar Physics and Dynamical Astronomy divisions), American Mathematical Society, American Geophysical Union

Publications
Solar Physics (journal), The Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, The Proceedings of the Meudon Solar Flare Workshop (1986), The Proceedings of the Caribbean Physics Conference (1985). Books: 'Selected Analyses in Solar Flare Plasma Dynamics', 'Physics Notes for Advanced Level'.

Education/Credentials
B.A. Astronomy, M. Phil. Physics

Awards and Honors
American Astronomical Society Studentship Award (1984), Barbados Government Award for Solar Research

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