Star Gazing Activities

Identify Constellations

• Print out a list of major constellations you expect to see in your night sky. Include a list of individual stars that form each constellation. Spend the evening seeing how many constellations you can find and name. Work together with family and friends as a group activity, and take time to enjoy the view. Learn a few facts about specific stars to share with the others and be open to their discoveries as well. The relaxed setting opens your group to conversations and gives you a chance to get to know each other.

Find Your Own Constellations

• Opportunities to locate your own images fill your night sky. Find images of things that mean something to you. They can be as simple as shapes or as complex as faces. Chart your findings on paper and remember to include the location of your shapes in regard to individual stars or formal constellations. Make up your own stories about your constellations and share these with the others.

Tools

• Make it easier to show your friends your discoveries with a powerful laser pointer, but first check the laws regarding their use in your region. Telescopes are another powerful tool when examining the sky. Set up your telescope to watch a specific star, and be ready to provide information about your star.

New Stars

• The night sky is well-documented, but new stars are often discovered. Print out an accurate star chart and inspect the sky for new stars that you can discover. Note their location, and check your star chart for other stars in the region. Locating a new star is exciting and allows you the right to name it once documented. Even nights without a new discovery provide you the chance to learn about stars and spend the evening searching the sky.

Falling Stars

• Meteor showers and falling stars are reasons for celebration. Hold a party outside and set up a telescope aimed in the direction of the show. Share the evening with others and enjoy the cosmic light show. Let others enjoy your favorite hobby and turn the evening into a social event that no one will forget.