NCERT Textbook: Beyond Earth | Science Class 6 PDF Download

 Page 1


Beyond Earth
12 Chapter
Nubra is a beautiful region in Ladakh. An eleven-year old 
girl Yangdol and her twin brother Dorjay live in one of the 
villages of this region. 
They love their 
surroundings—the majestic 
mountain peaks, and 
the glaciers, but their 
favourite is the night sky 
when the entire sky is lit 
up with thousands of stars 
(Fig. 12.1). The weather in 
Nubra is almost cloudless. 
With almost no air or 
light pollution, the night 
sky is very clearly visible. 
Night after night, Yangdol 
and Dorjay observe the 
stars and experience an 
immense sense of awe.
Fig. 12.1: The beauty of night sky from a very dark 
location in Ladakh, India
Nubra in Ladakh, India
Chapter 12.indd   231 10-07-2024   18:13:26
Page 2


Beyond Earth
12 Chapter
Nubra is a beautiful region in Ladakh. An eleven-year old 
girl Yangdol and her twin brother Dorjay live in one of the 
villages of this region. 
They love their 
surroundings—the majestic 
mountain peaks, and 
the glaciers, but their 
favourite is the night sky 
when the entire sky is lit 
up with thousands of stars 
(Fig. 12.1). The weather in 
Nubra is almost cloudless. 
With almost no air or 
light pollution, the night 
sky is very clearly visible. 
Night after night, Yangdol 
and Dorjay observe the 
stars and experience an 
immense sense of awe.
Fig. 12.1: The beauty of night sky from a very dark 
location in Ladakh, India
Nubra in Ladakh, India
Chapter 12.indd   231 10-07-2024   18:13:26
 Curiosity | Textbook of Science | Grade 6
232
Growing up, Yangdol and Dorjay have been hearing 
interesting stories about stars from their elders. They have 
heard how some particular stars in the clear skies helped 
the caravans passing through Nubra in finding direction in 
the ancient days. They wonder how far away and how big 
the stars are. They also enjoy trying to find some patterns 
among the stars that remind them of familiar objects. Have 
you ever looked at the stars in the night sky and tried to 
connect them with imaginary lines, just like dots and lines 
in a drawing? 
Activity 12.1: Let us draw
 ? Fig. 12.2 shows bright stars in one part of the night sky. 
 ? Look at it carefully and try to imagine a pattern formed 
by a group of stars.
 ? Draw lines to connect the stars and make the pattern.
 ? Think of an animal or an object that is similar to the 
pattern drawn by you. Write its name near your pattern.
12.1 Stars and Constellations
At night, when we look up at the sky, we see 
many stars. Some stars are bright and others 
are dim. Stars shine with their own light. 
Some groups of stars appear to form 
patterns which are like shapes of familiar 
things. Long ago, when watching stars in 
the night sky was a favourite pastime of our 
ancestors, they identified these star patterns with animals, 
things or characters in stories. Many cultures had names 
for patterns based on their own stories. These imaginary 
shapes helped them in recognising stars in the sky. 
Recognising stars and their patterns was a useful skill 
for navigation in the olden times. Before the arrival of 
modern technology or even before the invention of the 
magnetic compass, it helped people, particularly sailors 
and travellers, in finding directions at sea or on land. It is 
still used in emergencies as a backup method.  
In earlier times, groups of stars forming patterns were 
called constellations. Currently, the regions of sky, which 
include these groups of stars, are defined as constellations. 
However, since in constellations, the patterns of stars are 
often the most prominent, the term constellation is still 
commonly used for these groups of stars.
Fig. 12.2: A part of the night sky
 ? Repeat the above 
steps and make some 
more patterns.
 ? Now think of an 
interesting story 
about your patterns.
Compare your 
patterns with the 
patterns drawn by your 
friends. Are the patterns 
same or different? 
Narrate your story to 
others and listen to their 
stories. Do you notice 
that everyone’s patterns, 
names and stories are 
different? Is it not fun?
Chapter 12.indd   232 10-07-2024   18:13:27
Page 3


Beyond Earth
12 Chapter
Nubra is a beautiful region in Ladakh. An eleven-year old 
girl Yangdol and her twin brother Dorjay live in one of the 
villages of this region. 
They love their 
surroundings—the majestic 
mountain peaks, and 
the glaciers, but their 
favourite is the night sky 
when the entire sky is lit 
up with thousands of stars 
(Fig. 12.1). The weather in 
Nubra is almost cloudless. 
With almost no air or 
light pollution, the night 
sky is very clearly visible. 
Night after night, Yangdol 
and Dorjay observe the 
stars and experience an 
immense sense of awe.
Fig. 12.1: The beauty of night sky from a very dark 
location in Ladakh, India
Nubra in Ladakh, India
Chapter 12.indd   231 10-07-2024   18:13:26
 Curiosity | Textbook of Science | Grade 6
232
Growing up, Yangdol and Dorjay have been hearing 
interesting stories about stars from their elders. They have 
heard how some particular stars in the clear skies helped 
the caravans passing through Nubra in finding direction in 
the ancient days. They wonder how far away and how big 
the stars are. They also enjoy trying to find some patterns 
among the stars that remind them of familiar objects. Have 
you ever looked at the stars in the night sky and tried to 
connect them with imaginary lines, just like dots and lines 
in a drawing? 
Activity 12.1: Let us draw
 ? Fig. 12.2 shows bright stars in one part of the night sky. 
 ? Look at it carefully and try to imagine a pattern formed 
by a group of stars.
 ? Draw lines to connect the stars and make the pattern.
 ? Think of an animal or an object that is similar to the 
pattern drawn by you. Write its name near your pattern.
12.1 Stars and Constellations
At night, when we look up at the sky, we see 
many stars. Some stars are bright and others 
are dim. Stars shine with their own light. 
Some groups of stars appear to form 
patterns which are like shapes of familiar 
things. Long ago, when watching stars in 
the night sky was a favourite pastime of our 
ancestors, they identified these star patterns with animals, 
things or characters in stories. Many cultures had names 
for patterns based on their own stories. These imaginary 
shapes helped them in recognising stars in the sky. 
Recognising stars and their patterns was a useful skill 
for navigation in the olden times. Before the arrival of 
modern technology or even before the invention of the 
magnetic compass, it helped people, particularly sailors 
and travellers, in finding directions at sea or on land. It is 
still used in emergencies as a backup method.  
In earlier times, groups of stars forming patterns were 
called constellations. Currently, the regions of sky, which 
include these groups of stars, are defined as constellations. 
However, since in constellations, the patterns of stars are 
often the most prominent, the term constellation is still 
commonly used for these groups of stars.
Fig. 12.2: A part of the night sky
 ? Repeat the above 
steps and make some 
more patterns.
 ? Now think of an 
interesting story 
about your patterns.
Compare your 
patterns with the 
patterns drawn by your 
friends. Are the patterns 
same or different? 
Narrate your story to 
others and listen to their 
stories. Do you notice 
that everyone’s patterns, 
names and stories are 
different? Is it not fun?
Chapter 12.indd   232 10-07-2024   18:13:27
Beyond Earth
233
Growing up, Yangdol and Dorjay have been hearing 
interesting stories about stars from their elders. They have 
heard how some particular stars in the clear skies helped 
the caravans passing through Nubra in finding direction in 
the ancient days. They wonder how far away and how big 
the stars are. They also enjoy trying to find some patterns 
among the stars that remind them of familiar objects. Have 
you ever looked at the stars in the night sky and tried to 
connect them with imaginary lines, just like dots and lines 
in a drawing? 
Activity 12.1: Let us draw
 ? Fig. 12.2 shows bright stars in one part of the night sky. 
 ? Look at it carefully and try to imagine a pattern formed 
by a group of stars.
 ? Draw lines to connect the stars and make the pattern.
 ? Think of an animal or an object that is similar to the 
pattern drawn by you. Write its name near your pattern.
12.1 Stars and Constellations
At night, when we look up at the sky, we see 
many stars. Some stars are bright and others 
are dim. Stars shine with their own light. 
Some groups of stars appear to form 
patterns which are like shapes of familiar 
things. Long ago, when watching stars in 
the night sky was a favourite pastime of our 
ancestors, they identified these star patterns with animals, 
things or characters in stories. Many cultures had names 
for patterns based on their own stories. These imaginary 
shapes helped them in recognising stars in the sky. 
Recognising stars and their patterns was a useful skill 
for navigation in the olden times. Before the arrival of 
modern technology or even before the invention of the 
magnetic compass, it helped people, particularly sailors 
and travellers, in finding directions at sea or on land. It is 
still used in emergencies as a backup method.  
In earlier times, groups of stars forming patterns were 
called constellations. Currently, the regions of sky, which 
include these groups of stars, are defined as constellations. 
However, since in constellations, the patterns of stars are 
often the most prominent, the term constellation is still 
commonly used for these groups of stars.
Do we find patterns 
among the stars just 
for fun or is there 
some use of these 
patterns?
Since different cultures denoted the constellation 
boundaries in different ways, an internationally agreed 
set of constellation boundaries were defined by the 
International Astronomical Union (IAU) in the early 
20th century. 88 constellations were officially listed, 
thus, dividing the entire sky into 88 regions. These 
regions of sky are now defined as constellations.
More to 
know!
Some constellations are shown in Fig. 12.3. The stars 
are joined by imaginary lines, drawn for easy identification. 
The constellation Orion is often represented as a hunter. 
There are three stars in the middle, which represent the belt 
of the hunter. Some people imagine that the hunter Orion, 
followed by his dog (constellation Canis Major), is battling 
a bull (constellation Taurus). Canis Major contains a star 
Chapter 12.indd   233 10-07-2024   18:13:46
Page 4


Beyond Earth
12 Chapter
Nubra is a beautiful region in Ladakh. An eleven-year old 
girl Yangdol and her twin brother Dorjay live in one of the 
villages of this region. 
They love their 
surroundings—the majestic 
mountain peaks, and 
the glaciers, but their 
favourite is the night sky 
when the entire sky is lit 
up with thousands of stars 
(Fig. 12.1). The weather in 
Nubra is almost cloudless. 
With almost no air or 
light pollution, the night 
sky is very clearly visible. 
Night after night, Yangdol 
and Dorjay observe the 
stars and experience an 
immense sense of awe.
Fig. 12.1: The beauty of night sky from a very dark 
location in Ladakh, India
Nubra in Ladakh, India
Chapter 12.indd   231 10-07-2024   18:13:26
 Curiosity | Textbook of Science | Grade 6
232
Growing up, Yangdol and Dorjay have been hearing 
interesting stories about stars from their elders. They have 
heard how some particular stars in the clear skies helped 
the caravans passing through Nubra in finding direction in 
the ancient days. They wonder how far away and how big 
the stars are. They also enjoy trying to find some patterns 
among the stars that remind them of familiar objects. Have 
you ever looked at the stars in the night sky and tried to 
connect them with imaginary lines, just like dots and lines 
in a drawing? 
Activity 12.1: Let us draw
 ? Fig. 12.2 shows bright stars in one part of the night sky. 
 ? Look at it carefully and try to imagine a pattern formed 
by a group of stars.
 ? Draw lines to connect the stars and make the pattern.
 ? Think of an animal or an object that is similar to the 
pattern drawn by you. Write its name near your pattern.
12.1 Stars and Constellations
At night, when we look up at the sky, we see 
many stars. Some stars are bright and others 
are dim. Stars shine with their own light. 
Some groups of stars appear to form 
patterns which are like shapes of familiar 
things. Long ago, when watching stars in 
the night sky was a favourite pastime of our 
ancestors, they identified these star patterns with animals, 
things or characters in stories. Many cultures had names 
for patterns based on their own stories. These imaginary 
shapes helped them in recognising stars in the sky. 
Recognising stars and their patterns was a useful skill 
for navigation in the olden times. Before the arrival of 
modern technology or even before the invention of the 
magnetic compass, it helped people, particularly sailors 
and travellers, in finding directions at sea or on land. It is 
still used in emergencies as a backup method.  
In earlier times, groups of stars forming patterns were 
called constellations. Currently, the regions of sky, which 
include these groups of stars, are defined as constellations. 
However, since in constellations, the patterns of stars are 
often the most prominent, the term constellation is still 
commonly used for these groups of stars.
Fig. 12.2: A part of the night sky
 ? Repeat the above 
steps and make some 
more patterns.
 ? Now think of an 
interesting story 
about your patterns.
Compare your 
patterns with the 
patterns drawn by your 
friends. Are the patterns 
same or different? 
Narrate your story to 
others and listen to their 
stories. Do you notice 
that everyone’s patterns, 
names and stories are 
different? Is it not fun?
Chapter 12.indd   232 10-07-2024   18:13:27
Beyond Earth
233
Growing up, Yangdol and Dorjay have been hearing 
interesting stories about stars from their elders. They have 
heard how some particular stars in the clear skies helped 
the caravans passing through Nubra in finding direction in 
the ancient days. They wonder how far away and how big 
the stars are. They also enjoy trying to find some patterns 
among the stars that remind them of familiar objects. Have 
you ever looked at the stars in the night sky and tried to 
connect them with imaginary lines, just like dots and lines 
in a drawing? 
Activity 12.1: Let us draw
 ? Fig. 12.2 shows bright stars in one part of the night sky. 
 ? Look at it carefully and try to imagine a pattern formed 
by a group of stars.
 ? Draw lines to connect the stars and make the pattern.
 ? Think of an animal or an object that is similar to the 
pattern drawn by you. Write its name near your pattern.
12.1 Stars and Constellations
At night, when we look up at the sky, we see 
many stars. Some stars are bright and others 
are dim. Stars shine with their own light. 
Some groups of stars appear to form 
patterns which are like shapes of familiar 
things. Long ago, when watching stars in 
the night sky was a favourite pastime of our 
ancestors, they identified these star patterns with animals, 
things or characters in stories. Many cultures had names 
for patterns based on their own stories. These imaginary 
shapes helped them in recognising stars in the sky. 
Recognising stars and their patterns was a useful skill 
for navigation in the olden times. Before the arrival of 
modern technology or even before the invention of the 
magnetic compass, it helped people, particularly sailors 
and travellers, in finding directions at sea or on land. It is 
still used in emergencies as a backup method.  
In earlier times, groups of stars forming patterns were 
called constellations. Currently, the regions of sky, which 
include these groups of stars, are defined as constellations. 
However, since in constellations, the patterns of stars are 
often the most prominent, the term constellation is still 
commonly used for these groups of stars.
Do we find patterns 
among the stars just 
for fun or is there 
some use of these 
patterns?
Since different cultures denoted the constellation 
boundaries in different ways, an internationally agreed 
set of constellation boundaries were defined by the 
International Astronomical Union (IAU) in the early 
20th century. 88 constellations were officially listed, 
thus, dividing the entire sky into 88 regions. These 
regions of sky are now defined as constellations.
More to 
know!
Some constellations are shown in Fig. 12.3. The stars 
are joined by imaginary lines, drawn for easy identification. 
The constellation Orion is often represented as a hunter. 
There are three stars in the middle, which represent the belt 
of the hunter. Some people imagine that the hunter Orion, 
followed by his dog (constellation Canis Major), is battling 
a bull (constellation Taurus). Canis Major contains a star 
Chapter 12.indd   233 10-07-2024   18:13:46
 Curiosity | Textbook of Science | Grade 6
234
Fig. 12.3: Some constellations and stars
(The red lines indicate the patterns of stars while the green lines indicate the 
regions of the sky. The lines are not seen in the sky and have been drawn only 
for easy identification) 
Sirius
Canis 
Major
Orion
Taurus
In Indian astronomy, the term nak?hatra is used to denote 
either a certain star or a group of stars, such as Ardra 
(a star called Betelgeuse in the Orion constellation) and 
K?ittika (a group of stars called Pleiades in the Taurus 
constellation). Aldebaran, a star in the constellation 
Taurus, is known as Rohi?i.
More to 
know!
Betelguese 
(Ardra)
Aldebaran 
(Rohi?i)
Pleiades 
(K?ittika)
Sirius
Canis 
Major
Orion
Taurus
called Sirius, which is the brightest star in the night  sky 
(Fig. 12.3).
Chapter 12.indd   234 10-07-2024   18:14:03
Page 5


Beyond Earth
12 Chapter
Nubra is a beautiful region in Ladakh. An eleven-year old 
girl Yangdol and her twin brother Dorjay live in one of the 
villages of this region. 
They love their 
surroundings—the majestic 
mountain peaks, and 
the glaciers, but their 
favourite is the night sky 
when the entire sky is lit 
up with thousands of stars 
(Fig. 12.1). The weather in 
Nubra is almost cloudless. 
With almost no air or 
light pollution, the night 
sky is very clearly visible. 
Night after night, Yangdol 
and Dorjay observe the 
stars and experience an 
immense sense of awe.
Fig. 12.1: The beauty of night sky from a very dark 
location in Ladakh, India
Nubra in Ladakh, India
Chapter 12.indd   231 10-07-2024   18:13:26
 Curiosity | Textbook of Science | Grade 6
232
Growing up, Yangdol and Dorjay have been hearing 
interesting stories about stars from their elders. They have 
heard how some particular stars in the clear skies helped 
the caravans passing through Nubra in finding direction in 
the ancient days. They wonder how far away and how big 
the stars are. They also enjoy trying to find some patterns 
among the stars that remind them of familiar objects. Have 
you ever looked at the stars in the night sky and tried to 
connect them with imaginary lines, just like dots and lines 
in a drawing? 
Activity 12.1: Let us draw
 ? Fig. 12.2 shows bright stars in one part of the night sky. 
 ? Look at it carefully and try to imagine a pattern formed 
by a group of stars.
 ? Draw lines to connect the stars and make the pattern.
 ? Think of an animal or an object that is similar to the 
pattern drawn by you. Write its name near your pattern.
12.1 Stars and Constellations
At night, when we look up at the sky, we see 
many stars. Some stars are bright and others 
are dim. Stars shine with their own light. 
Some groups of stars appear to form 
patterns which are like shapes of familiar 
things. Long ago, when watching stars in 
the night sky was a favourite pastime of our 
ancestors, they identified these star patterns with animals, 
things or characters in stories. Many cultures had names 
for patterns based on their own stories. These imaginary 
shapes helped them in recognising stars in the sky. 
Recognising stars and their patterns was a useful skill 
for navigation in the olden times. Before the arrival of 
modern technology or even before the invention of the 
magnetic compass, it helped people, particularly sailors 
and travellers, in finding directions at sea or on land. It is 
still used in emergencies as a backup method.  
In earlier times, groups of stars forming patterns were 
called constellations. Currently, the regions of sky, which 
include these groups of stars, are defined as constellations. 
However, since in constellations, the patterns of stars are 
often the most prominent, the term constellation is still 
commonly used for these groups of stars.
Fig. 12.2: A part of the night sky
 ? Repeat the above 
steps and make some 
more patterns.
 ? Now think of an 
interesting story 
about your patterns.
Compare your 
patterns with the 
patterns drawn by your 
friends. Are the patterns 
same or different? 
Narrate your story to 
others and listen to their 
stories. Do you notice 
that everyone’s patterns, 
names and stories are 
different? Is it not fun?
Chapter 12.indd   232 10-07-2024   18:13:27
Beyond Earth
233
Growing up, Yangdol and Dorjay have been hearing 
interesting stories about stars from their elders. They have 
heard how some particular stars in the clear skies helped 
the caravans passing through Nubra in finding direction in 
the ancient days. They wonder how far away and how big 
the stars are. They also enjoy trying to find some patterns 
among the stars that remind them of familiar objects. Have 
you ever looked at the stars in the night sky and tried to 
connect them with imaginary lines, just like dots and lines 
in a drawing? 
Activity 12.1: Let us draw
 ? Fig. 12.2 shows bright stars in one part of the night sky. 
 ? Look at it carefully and try to imagine a pattern formed 
by a group of stars.
 ? Draw lines to connect the stars and make the pattern.
 ? Think of an animal or an object that is similar to the 
pattern drawn by you. Write its name near your pattern.
12.1 Stars and Constellations
At night, when we look up at the sky, we see 
many stars. Some stars are bright and others 
are dim. Stars shine with their own light. 
Some groups of stars appear to form 
patterns which are like shapes of familiar 
things. Long ago, when watching stars in 
the night sky was a favourite pastime of our 
ancestors, they identified these star patterns with animals, 
things or characters in stories. Many cultures had names 
for patterns based on their own stories. These imaginary 
shapes helped them in recognising stars in the sky. 
Recognising stars and their patterns was a useful skill 
for navigation in the olden times. Before the arrival of 
modern technology or even before the invention of the 
magnetic compass, it helped people, particularly sailors 
and travellers, in finding directions at sea or on land. It is 
still used in emergencies as a backup method.  
In earlier times, groups of stars forming patterns were 
called constellations. Currently, the regions of sky, which 
include these groups of stars, are defined as constellations. 
However, since in constellations, the patterns of stars are 
often the most prominent, the term constellation is still 
commonly used for these groups of stars.
Do we find patterns 
among the stars just 
for fun or is there 
some use of these 
patterns?
Since different cultures denoted the constellation 
boundaries in different ways, an internationally agreed 
set of constellation boundaries were defined by the 
International Astronomical Union (IAU) in the early 
20th century. 88 constellations were officially listed, 
thus, dividing the entire sky into 88 regions. These 
regions of sky are now defined as constellations.
More to 
know!
Some constellations are shown in Fig. 12.3. The stars 
are joined by imaginary lines, drawn for easy identification. 
The constellation Orion is often represented as a hunter. 
There are three stars in the middle, which represent the belt 
of the hunter. Some people imagine that the hunter Orion, 
followed by his dog (constellation Canis Major), is battling 
a bull (constellation Taurus). Canis Major contains a star 
Chapter 12.indd   233 10-07-2024   18:13:46
 Curiosity | Textbook of Science | Grade 6
234
Fig. 12.3: Some constellations and stars
(The red lines indicate the patterns of stars while the green lines indicate the 
regions of the sky. The lines are not seen in the sky and have been drawn only 
for easy identification) 
Sirius
Canis 
Major
Orion
Taurus
In Indian astronomy, the term nak?hatra is used to denote 
either a certain star or a group of stars, such as Ardra 
(a star called Betelgeuse in the Orion constellation) and 
K?ittika (a group of stars called Pleiades in the Taurus 
constellation). Aldebaran, a star in the constellation 
Taurus, is known as Rohi?i.
More to 
know!
Betelguese 
(Ardra)
Aldebaran 
(Rohi?i)
Pleiades 
(K?ittika)
Sirius
Canis 
Major
Orion
Taurus
called Sirius, which is the brightest star in the night  sky 
(Fig. 12.3).
Chapter 12.indd   234 10-07-2024   18:14:03
Beyond Earth
235
Two distinct patterns of stars, the Big Dipper and the 
Little Dipper , are shown in Fig. 12.4. The Pole Star or Polaris, 
which is part of the Little Dipper is also shown (Fig. 12.4).
The Pole Star appears stationary in the North direction, 
which helps to locate the North direction in the Northern 
hemisphere.
The Big Dipper lies in the 
constellation Ursa Major 
while the Little Dipper 
lies in the constellation 
Ursa Minor. In India, the 
Big Dipper is known 
as Sapta?i?hi, and the 
Pole Star is known as  
Dhruva tara.  
More to 
know!
Apart from common regional stories associated 
with stars in the constellations, many forest 
dwelling communities or tribes of India also have 
their own stories about them. For example, the 
four stars in the Big Dipper that approximately 
form a rectangle, are viewed by tribes in Central 
India as the “grandmother’s cot” with 
the three thieves (other three stars) 
stealing it. Fishermen along the 
Konkan coast imagine the four 
stars as a boat, with the last three 
stars as the neck of the boat. Do you 
know?
How can 
we identify 
some of these 
constellations in 
the night sky?
Fig. 12.4: Big Dipper , Little Dipper 
and Pole Star (The lines are not seen 
in the sky and have been drawn 
only for easy identification)
Pole star
Big Dipper
Little 
Dipper
Chapter 12.indd   235 10-07-2024   18:14:30