All it takes is a clear sky, a star chart, and a small, red flashlight. Trying to learn the basics of observing the night sky, while trying to simultaneously learn the intricacies of operating a telescope, can be a confusing and less-than-pleasant experience. You do not need a telescope to enjoy astronomy. Some of the best advice we can give is don’t buy a telescope to start your exploration. It’s important to ease into the subject before tackling the details. Sign up for 204 e-News, our email newsletter.If you are interested in astronomy or you are just beginning your involvement in astronomy – WELCOME! We have advice and information to help you enjoy your experience and learn from it.Īstronomy is a subject with an almost overwhelming amount of information available. Sign up here for regular email updates from the Planetarium.^ Commonly Accessed Links and Info for Students, Parents and Community Contact Us Note: Circumpolar constellations are dependent on where you live. At our latitude in the Northern Hemisphere there are 5 circumpolar constellations (listed above). The stars snake between Ursa Major and Ursa Minor. The bright stars in Cassiopeia resemble the letter ‘M’ or ‘W’ depending on where it is.ĭraco the constellation of the dragon is difficult to find because the stars are not very bright. Continue the imaginary line through that star in Cepheus to reach the stars of Cassiopeia. The imaginary line should reach the star at the top of the house. To find Cepheus and Cassiopeia, draw the imaginary line between the ‘pointer stars’ in the Big Dipper through Polaris onward. The Big Dipper is made with the seven brightest stars in the constellation Ursa Major the great bear. The seven brightest stars in Ursa Minor make the pattern of the Little Dipper. Polaris is the brightest star in the constellation Ursa Minor the little bear. Looking at Polaris, you are facing north. You will extend that line about five times the distance between the pointer stars to reach Polaris.

Imagine drawing a line between them and extend that line into the sky from the bowl (do not poke a hole in the bowl or you will get lost). The two stars at the end of the spoon in the bowl (away from the handle) are called the ‘pointer stars’. The seven stars of the Big Dipper (part of Ursa Major) will point you to Polaris. It is located due north, but it is hard to find because it is not very bright. You need to find Polaris (the North Star). A long exposure photograph shows the circular path of the stars (Polaris is in the center).īefore you begin stargazing, you need to find your directions. They never set but rather make a complete circle around the pole star called Polaris (the North Star) above the ground/horizon. These constellations are visible all night every night of the year. The circumpolar constellations are Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Draco, Cepheus, and Cassiopeia. The Pleaides is a beautiful star cluster that is also known as the Seven Sisters. Extend the line beyond Aldebaran to reach the Pleaides. The brightest star in Taurus is an orange colored star called Aldebaran. Pollux is brighter and has a yellowish color where Caster appears white.ĭraw an imaginary line through Orion’s belt stars again, but this time go to the upper right. This star is a reddish star named Betelgeuse (Beatle-juice).Ībove the Winter Triangle, look for the Gemini twins – the two bright stars named Pollux and Castor. To complete the triangle, use the top left shoulder star in Orion. Procyon is the brightest star in Canis Minor which is found to the left of Orion.

The Winter Triangle is made with stars belonging to Orion and his two dogs – Sirius (Canis Major) and Procyon (Canis Minor). Sirius also belongs to the Winter Triangle. Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky. Draw an imaginary line through the belt stars to the lower left and you will reach the brightest star in Canis Major called Sirius.

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