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How to Make an Astrolabe for Kids

Named by the ancient Greeks, "astrolabe" means ̶0;the one who catches the heavenly bodies.̶1; The Univeristy of Hawaii̵7;s Institute for Astronomy explains that the astrolabe is used to ̶0;calculate the position of celestial objects, measure the time of the night or day, measure the time of the year, compute what part of the sky is visible at any time, determine the altitude of any object over the horizon and determine the current latitude.̶1; Although originally constructed from ornate brass discs, children can make their own astrolabes from household arts and crafts materials.

Things You'll Need

Printer
Astrolabe drawing
Glue
Heavy paper or cardboard
Scissors
Drinking straw
Tape
String
Small weight

Instructions

- 1
  Download and print an astrolabe picture. An age-appropriate astrolabe drawing is available on the At Home Astronomy's website.
- 2
  Glue the astrolabe picture to a piece of heavy paper or cardboard and cut it out.
- 3
  Carefully use the scissors to make a small hole at each of the lines that run along the curved edge of the astrolabe.
- 4
  Cut a drinking straw to measure the same length as the side of the astrolabe.
- 5
  Tape the drinking straw to the edge of the astrolabe where instructed by the picture. Be careful not to tape it directly on the astrolabe.
- 6
  Puncture a small hole through the "x" on the astrolabe. Thread the string through the hole and tape the string down on the back of the paper or cardboard.
- 7
  Tape the small weight to the bottom of the string and flip it over the front of the astrolabe.

Astronomy