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Constellations
Constellations
Every night, the sky tells us a bedtime story that is written in the stars. The story is one of royal princesses, mythical heroes, and legendary beasts that was written by ancient cultures and is illustrated by the constellations in the night sky. This story is a great constant in our ever-changing world, presenting itself to us each night as the Sun sets and the stars become visible. What makes this story unique is that it is best viewed with your eyes, rather than heard with your ears.
The Western culture and the International Astronomical Union recognizes 88 official constellations. These constellations divide the sky into 88 "puzzle pieces" such that every location in the sky belongs to exactly one constellation. These constellations fit together perfectly to make up our night sky. How many of these 88 constellations can you name? Perhaps you can learn the names a few more characters in the story of the stars by completing our day 1 activities.
We kick off our Statewide Star Party by taking a look at some of the great characters of this eternal story. We invite you to explore the characters, learn their names, engage in their stories, and perhaps even choose your own adventure as you explore the content for Day 1.
Don't forget to share images of your creations to our Padlet board! We would love to see them!
To Learn
To Learn
Tour the sky using Stellarium
Tour the sky using Stellarium
Stellarium is a free planetarium program for your computer that will allow you to view the sky on any date, at any time, from any location. You can view the stars, constellations, planets, galaxies and more! Although an app for Stellarium can be downloaded onto your phone, we recommend using the full program for the computer as it has many more options than do the apps.
Take a few minutes to watch our video tutorial to learn how to use Stellarium to navigate the sky.
Stellarium Tutorial.mp4Storytime! Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations
Storytime! Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations
Join Jacqueline Mitton, author of the book Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations, for a reading of her book. The video has been provided by the Astronomical Society of the Pacific Storytime Archives.
Explore the constellations through videos
Explore the constellations through videos
Have fun learning about constellations by exploring these videos!
Coloring Book
Coloring Book
Can you color within the lines of the constellations? Give it a try!
Color in the constellations in this coloring book while you learn about the mythology behind the constellations.
Unable to print these pages? Try to draw your own constellation images and share them with us on our Padlet page! We would love to see your masterpieces!
To Make
To Make
Make your own constellation models!
Make your own constellation models!
Who says you shouldn't play with your food? Use some leftover spaghetti and mini marshmallows to bring the constellations to your dinner table! Create 3D models of a few of the official 88 constellations or use your imagination and build your own.
No spaghetti? Try using toothpicks or pretzel sticks instead.
Did your last marshmallow just go into your hot chocolate? Try placing clay or Playdoh at the junctions.
Here are some great instructions from our friends at the Pacific Science Center for creating marshmallow constellations.
Marshmallow constellation activity from the Pacific Science Center
Are you looking for an alternative? Here are a few ideas! Use your imagination and have fun.
Empty pantry? Build your models out of pipecleaners and beads! Click on the image for a YouTube video!
Building models with tiny tots who like to draw? Try construction paper, stickers, and chalk for a safer option.
Want to scale it up? Why limit yourself to small objects? Space IS big, right?
Paint the constellations in your yard and photograph your masterpiece with a drone! Be sure to get parental permission first.
Break out the sidewalk chalk and tell a whole story with your constellations.
Let nature help by providing sticks and rocks for lines and corners.
Use brightly colored rope to string out the shapes and photograph from above.
Project the constellations onto your walls
Project the constellations onto your walls
Bring the starry night indoors! Create a miniature star projector by poking holes in the bottom of a disposable cup and putting a flashlight inside.
Here are some templates you can use to shape your creations!
Create your projector with a cup and flashlight. Click on the image for a YouTube video.
No cup? Try using a toilet paper roll and paper or foil to cover the end. Click on the image for a YouTube video with instructions.
Want to SCALE IT UP? Cover your windows with aluminum foil and poke holes to let the "starlight" in!
To Observe
To Observe
Navigate the night sky using the Star Walk app
Navigate the night sky using the Star Walk app
Here's an easy to use and convenient app that allows you to view the celestial bodies from the comfort of your own home. In real time, it can tell you what celestial bodies are visible in your location and when to see them. It can also allow you to view celestial events from the past!
Download Star Walk 2 and try to view the constellations. What do you think? Which can you view soon?
Have fun and tell us what you learn!
Star Walk 2 is freely available for both iPhone and Android.
In Summary
In Summary
Perhaps the next time you go outside at night, you will take the time to look up at the sky and remember all the stories that it has to tell. Maybe you won't see dots of light, but rather recall the colorful stories of ancient cultures and the people who wrote them.
Here is your challenge: Next time there is a clear night, take a moment to stop, gaze upward, and appreciate the beauty of the story that is above you. Look up at the sky instead of down at your phone. Trade your couch for a blanket on the ground. Put down your Kindle in favor of the night sky. You can even round up your family, friends, and some popcorn. Who knows, you may discover a new favorite author - the Universe!
...and don't forget to connect with others by sharing your memories on our Padlet board!
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