Sky Maps, Planispheres, and Planetariums
As you have learned in this topic, there are different ways to find objects in the night sky. One of the best ways to find constellations is using a planisphere. A planisphere is a tool used to predict the appearance of the stars at a certain day and time. Please complete both Part A and Part B of the assignment below.
Part A: Construct Your Planisphere
For this assignment, you will need to make your own planisphere. Using the planisphere template and directions on the Canadian National Research Council's website, print out the images. It is recommended that you use heavy card stock or cardboard, so that the planisphere will be sturdier. After you print out the images, follow the directions on the pages to put the images together and construct your planisphere. Once your planisphere is assembled, follow the steps in the interactivity below to learn how to use your planisphere. Once you have completed your planisphere, use a camera, mobile device, or webcam to take a picture of it for submission to this assignment's dropbox.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are unable to construct your own planisphere, you may use the virtual planisphere provided by NASA on their Sky-Spy Safari website.
Part B: Planisphere Questions
Once you have constructed your planisphere, use it to answer the questions below. These questions are available on this webpage or as a printable document.
- Set your planisphere for today's date. Move the planisphere so that time gets later and later. In which direction to the stars move across the night sky?
- What constellations lie on the western horizon on June 25 at 7:00 p.m.?
- Which constellation would be seen directly overhead on June 25 at 7:00 p.m.?
- On November 13 at midnight, which constellations can be seen along the ecliptic (the zodiac constellations)?
- Which constellation lies almost directly on the northern horizon on November 13 at midnight?
- Set the planisphere to April 30 at 2:00 a.m. Which constellation lies directly on the southern horizon?
Once you have completed this assignment, please submit a picture of your planisphere and a document with answers to the associated questions to the dropbox.