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How to Make a Pinhole Constellation

Constellations are pictures, images and patterns that humans have created over millennia to help people identify stars. Think of constellations as memory aids to help you navigate the nighttime sky. Before the use of calendars and clocks was widespread, people like farmers would chart star movement as a way of knowing what time of year it was and when they should plant their crops, since certain constellations appear only at specific times of the year. A pinhole constellation project is a simple craft that helps young people appreciate the wonder and beauty of space and introduces them to the topic of constellations and astronomy.

Things You'll Need

12 empty toilet paper rolls
Hole punch
Sewing pin
Tape
Scissors
Constellation diagrams
Flashlight

Instructions

- 1
  Make a template of about 12 constellations drawn to measure about 2 inches in diameter so that when cut out, they fit onto the bottom of empty toilet paper rolls. Draw the constellations as lines connected by dots. Have the dots represent stars and the lines for the constellations to help you remember those stars.
- 2
  Glue the 12 constellation diagrams onto the bottom of 12 clean toilet paper rolls. Use a hole punch and sewing pin to create holes where the dots are on your constellation diagrams. Use the sewing pin for smaller dots and the hole puncher for large dots to differentiate between the sizes of stars in each constellation.
- 3
  Shake the toilet paper roll so that the punched out paper bits fall out. Take the pinhole constellation crafts into a dark room. Point the covered end of the roll at a blank wall or ceiling. Shine a flashlight through the open end of the roll to make the constellation appear on the wall or ceiling.
- 4
  Use the craft to peak a child̵7;s interest in astronomy and to encourage imaginative play. Follow it up with a trip to a nearby planetarium or science museum where the child can explore stars, or purchase a telescope and take it out at night in an unlit area outside of town and look for the real constellations together.

Astronomy