Get Ready to Find Constellations

Constellations are made up of stars that appear to form a pattern. By learning to identify these patterns, we can navigate the night sky. Besides that, finding constellations is fun! At least once a month, I will help you locate a constellation. Before we can begin, here are some tips to help you prepare.

Which Way?

When you are looking for something in the sky, you need to know in which direction to look. Which way is north, east, south, or west? A compass can help you determine the direction. If you don't have a compass, think about where the sun rises and sets. During the course of a year, that varies a little. But in general, the sun rises to the east and sets in the west. If you stand so that the area where the sun rises is to your right and the area where the sun sets is to your left, then you are facing north and south is to your back. Check this out during the day so that you will know which way to look at night. For instance, if a constellation is in the northeast, here is how you would figure out which direction that is in your yard. Stand with your right side to the east and look straight ahead, which would be north. Turn your head toward your right side, but not all the way, just half way. Now you are looking northeasterly. Repeat this at night when you go to look for the constellation, except of course, once you are facing to the northeast - look up!

Coping with Light

Give your eyes a chance to see! When you first go out into the darkness, your vision is not at its sharpest. It takes about 15 minutes for your eyes to adapt, that is, to adjust from the light to the darkness. The pupils (the black center) in our eyes open and close to let in just the right amount of light so that we can see. They get smaller (close) when we are in a brightly lit room and get larger (open) when the lights are turned off. Don't be discouraged if it seems as if you can't see much when you first go outside. Just give your eyes a chance to adapt to the darkness.

Sometimes light is a problem in other ways. For instance, it will be more difficult to find constellations if the moon is shining and especially if it is a full moon. It lights up the sky and the stars appear dim. This would be a good time to challenge yourself - what can you see in the moonlight? Or take the opportunity to study the moon.

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