2: Basic Stargazing



Planisphere

Name:

Period:

For this you will use the planisphere (star wheel) that you created.

Using the planisphere is very simple, once you get used to it. To see what the sky looks like for a given date and time, simply rotate the star wheel until the time aligns with the date.

a) Align the planisphere such that it shows the night sky on February 20th at 10 PM EST. Can you see Aquarius at this time on this date (yes/no)?

b) Align the planisphere such that it shows the night sky on June 18th at 11 PM . Can you see Aquarius at this time on this date (yes/no)?

The planisphere can also tell you what time a constellation will rise above your horizon. Turn the star wheel until the constellation is on the Eastern horizon (stars rise in the East, just like the Sun and Moon). Hold the star wheel in this place while you read the rise time from the appropriate date on the star wheel holder.

c) Align the planisphere such that it shows the constellation Leo on the Eastern horizon. What time does Leo rise on November 30th?

Likewise, you can also read the set time of the constellation (hint: in which cardinal direction do stars set?).

d) Align the planisphere such that it shows the constellation Leo setting. What time does Leo set on November 30th?

Rotate the star wheel around several times. If you watch carefully, you’ll notice that some of the stars don’t set or rise. These are known as circumpolar constellations. They are always visible on clear nights, no matter what time of year it is.

e) Identify two circumpolar constellations:

i)

ii)

f) Align the planisphere for tonight’s sky at 8:30 PM. Fill in the following information:

i) Date:

ii) Time (EST or EDT?):

iii) Identify which of the following constellations are visible at the above time and date. For each constellation that is visible, indicate in which direction you’ll look to find it in the sky (North, East, South, West, or Zenith). Otherwise, write “N/A”.

1) Orion (The Hunter)

2) Ursa Major (The Big Dipper)

3) Cygnus (The Northern Cross)

4) Sagittarius (The Teapot)

5) Gemini (The Twins)

6) Canis Major (The Dog)

7) Cassiopeia (The Queen)

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