"Please, put your wands away. You won't be needing those here." Murmers arupt as students pocket their wands. They stare tiredly ahead and observe Professor Sinistra’s glowing robes.

"We all understand why we're here," the professor continues. She waves her arms toward the sky then holds them there in exclamation. "Astronomy, as you may already recognize, is the study of space, celestial matter, and, ultimately, the universe. Since the beginning of time, humans--including wizards and witches and even muggle scientists have been studying the night sky in order to better understand the cosmos as well as our own planet’s nature.

"During your first year, you will rely on your keen sense of sight as well as your brilliant minds in order to identify space objects, observe celestial phenomena, and discover new universal concepts that establish order in our lives. We will not be making lunar predictions. I will leave that for Professor Trewlaney’s fifth year divination class.

"We shall start with a simple assignment. First, everyone must follow me!” She walks briskly toward the Quidditch stadium, then performs a spell to unlock the entrance.

“Stand around me while I explain, please,” she announces whilst standing beneath the scoring hoops. The recent walk causes students to stir and shiver in the cool air. They begin peering at the sky and are pleased by the clear view of the stars.

“I would like everyone to take out their 'Guidebook to the Stars'. Grab a partner and find a sit-down spot on the field.” She passes a piece of parchment to each student (see image). “Keenly observe the night sky and discover the Latin name for each of these constellations on this form. After that, identify the meaning of the name for numbers 2, 3, and 7 (only those three) from your chart."

Your assignment today includes a few short answer questions. Please sMail your answers to Mary. Please do not post your answers here.

Each correct answer will earn 2 House Points for a total of 20 House Points (14 for the Latin names, 6 for the meanings).

1.) Please name all 7 constellations on your star chart using the Latin name. 2.) Please give the meaning of the name for , 3, and 7 only.

Sorry for the double ping, folks! For some reason it let me post the thread without a topic.