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Star Struck
Introduce your child to the wonders of the night sky.
What you need:
- compass (optional)
- star chart or book of constellations
- flashlight with red cellophane or plastic over the light
What you talk about:
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Learn about constellations. Tell your child about ancient sailors that navigated by the stars they saw in the sky at night. These early explorers found their way because they knew which clusters of stars shone in the north, south, east, and west. They made up names and stories for these starry grouping that are now called constellations.
- Discover what else you can find. About 3,000 stars are visible to the naked eye. But you can find other things in the night sky as well. Tell your child that we can see some planets, such as Venus. A planet looks like a star, but it does not twinkle.
What you do:
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Head outdoors. A clear, moonless night is the best time for stargazing. If possible, find a place away from city lights with a view free of trees and buildings.
- Find your first constellations. Use the compass, if necessary, to find which direction is north. Face north and look up into the sky. See if you can find the Big Dipper. This constellation, or group of seven stars, got its name because it looks like a ladle, or cup-shaped spoon.
- Find some more. Draw an imaginary line between the two stars forming the outer edge of the Big Dipper’s cup and extend it upward. The next bright star you see is the North Star. The Big Dipper is also part of a larger constellation known as Ursa Major, the Great Bear. A star chart will help you find these and other constellations along with the story behind each one.
Books
Prepare for your evening outside by reading:
Web Sites
To make a star finder and have other starry fun, go to:
www.paceplace.jpl.nasa.gov/en/kids/st6starfinder/st6starfinder.shtml
www.furschool.kaboose.com/globe-rider/space/
Activity: Susan Goodman