Did I heard someone mention celestial navigation? ):
Well, here are three easy ways to spot Polaris (the North Star) using three of the easiest to spot constellations in the Northern hemisphere.
First, is using the ever popular Big Dipper (or Great Bear). Follow the two stars at the front to the next brightest star and you've found the North Star.
Next example uses Cassiopeia (the constellation that looks like a W). This one is easy to do!
Finally, finding the North Star using Orion the Hunter. This is a bit more tricky as it means you have to span a greater area of sky and Orion is really only in a good spot in Winter.
All you need is a clear night and a dark sky ... it's great fun. To make life easier you can print these images out (eventually I'll get around to making some that have black starts on a white background!).
Share your other celestial navigation tips and tricks!
Well, here are three easy ways to spot Polaris (the North Star) using three of the easiest to spot constellations in the Northern hemisphere.
First, is using the ever popular Big Dipper (or Great Bear). Follow the two stars at the front to the next brightest star and you've found the North Star.
Next example uses Cassiopeia (the constellation that looks like a W). This one is easy to do!
Finally, finding the North Star using Orion the Hunter. This is a bit more tricky as it means you have to span a greater area of sky and Orion is really only in a good spot in Winter.
All you need is a clear night and a dark sky ... it's great fun. To make life easier you can print these images out (eventually I'll get around to making some that have black starts on a white background!).
Share your other celestial navigation tips and tricks!