How to Identify Constellations

Obtain a constellation map (see Resources). Be sure to choose a map that correlates to your location and the season when you're stargazing---not all constellations are visible from where you live and certain constellations appear in the night sky at different times of the year. Print out the appropriate map.

On a clear night head to a good stargazing spot. Ideally, this would be a place at a high elevation far from any light pollution. But any spot that is dark enough for stars to be visible will do.

Find Polaris, also known as the North Star, and use it as a focal point. Polaris is a bright star that marks true north; it was used for navigation in ancient times. Use a compass to find true north. Once you see a star that might be Polaris, look for the Big Dipper, an easily recognizable constellation that resembles a giant soup ladle. The two stars on the outer edge of the ladle's bowl will line up with Polaris, which is actually part of the Little Dipper---it's the first star that makes up the handle of that constellation.

Using Polaris as your guide, compare the constellation map to the stars in the sky to identify other constellations. The constellation stars appear slightly brighter than the more distant stars in the sky. The patterns are easier to identify if you know exactly what you're looking for, so study the map prior to your stargazing session.