Activity # 1: Movement of Constellations
Objectives: a. use a planisphere to locate stars and constellations for any
Date and time of the year.
b. explain how the night sky changes through the seasons (different
months).
Unlocking of Terms:
Horizon - The horizon or skyline is the apparent line that separates earth from sky,
the line that divides all visible directions into two categories: those that intersect
the Earth's surface, and those that do not.
Zenith - The zenith is an imaginary point directly "above" a particular location, on
the imaginary celestial sphere.
Procedure:
1. Cut the planisphere on the next page. Cut around the outside of planisphere
and cut out the white inner oval to make a hole in the middle. Fold the grey area
on the dotted lines shown. (cut the planisphere before proceeding.
2. Cut around the outside of star map. (look at page after the planisphere).
3. Place the star map into the planisphere pocket. Swivel the star map around to
line up the date and the time to the day you are outside.
4.Identify where North and South are on the planisphere. Stand facing South (real
South: as a guide, sun rises from the East or use compass to locate South), looking
down at the planisphere so that North is at the top facing away from you. Lift the
planisphere above your head and the white disk area will show you the stars in the
night sky.
Guide Questions: Write your answers on a separate paper.
1. Find the horizon on the planisphere. Describe its position._______________.
2. Rotate the planisphere until today’s date (example: today is March 30). Align
the time 9 pm to today’s date. Find North, South, East and West. Name a
constellation found on the:
a. Northern horizon _____________ c. Southern horizon___________
b. Eastern Horizon ______________ d. Western horizon ___________
3. Where is your Zenith? ______________________________
What constellation is at your Zenith tonight at 9 pm? __________________
4. Rotate your planisphere so that stars travel from East to West. Name 5
constellations that do not go below the horizon. These are the circumpolar
constellations: a._________ b.________ c._________d.________ e. __________
5. Locate Orion on the planisphere. What time will it rise tonight? _________
When will it be in the southern sky? ____________When will it set tonight.? ___
What time will it rise tonight? _________ When will it be in the southern sky? ____________When will it set tonight.? ___
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Answer:
1.a2.b.3.c4.d
Explanation:
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