Spot a Constellation
Make a simple star finder and, with an adult, use it outdoors to locate and identify a chosen constellation, learning sky navigation.
Step-by-step guide to spot a constellation
Constellations: Connect the Dots in the Sky!
Step 1
Pick one constellation you want to find tonight and keep its picture or printout beside you.
Step 2
Place one paper plate flat on the table with the front side up.
Step 3
Use the marker to write the 12 months around the rim of that plate in clockwise order.
Step 4
Add simple time marks on the rim (for example write 6pm at left 9pm at top midnight at right and 3am near the bottom).
Step 5
Draw a big N at the top rim of the same plate to show north.
Step 6
Look at your constellation picture and draw the star pattern for that constellation near the center of the plate with the pencil.
Step 7
Take the second plate and cut a U-shaped or crescent-shaped window so the center of the bottom plate will show through.
Step 8
Make a small hole in the center of both plates and fasten them together with the brad or thumbtack so the top plate can rotate.
Step 9
Turn the top plate to practice setting today’s month to the time mark on the bottom plate until it moves smoothly.
Step 10
Go outside with your adult and use the compass or your adult’s help to find the direction of north.
Step 11
Hold the star finder above your head with the N pointing toward true north.
Step 12
Look up through the window while you slowly rotate the top plate until the star pattern you drew lines up with the stars you see.
Step 13
Point to the matching stars and say the name of your constellation out loud to your adult.
Step 14
Take a photo or write one sentence about how you found it and share your finished star finder and discovery on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use instead of the brad/thumbtack or paper plates if we can't find them?
If you don't have a brad or thumbtack or paper plates, punch holes in two cardboard circles cut from a cereal box and join them with a split paper fastener (paper brad) while using a pen or crayon in place of a marker.
My top plate won't rotate smoothly or the window doesn't line up with the center—what should I do?
Loosen or replace the brad/thumbtack, make sure the U-shaped window is trimmed so the center hole isn't blocked, and practice turning the top plate until the month's mark aligns smoothly with the time marks as described in the instructions.
How can I change this activity for younger children or make it more challenging for older kids?
For younger kids have an adult pre-cut the window, pre-write the months/time marks, and let them trace a simple star pattern, while older kids can add faint stars, label magnitudes, use an actual star chart or app to place stars more precisely, and plot extra constellations on the top plate.
How can we make the star finder more fun or personalized after we finish it?
Decorate the plates with glow-in-the-dark paint or stickers, draw additional constellations or write each constellation's myth on the rim, take photos of your finds, and share your one-sentence discovery on DIY.org as suggested.
Watch videos on how to spot a constellation
Constellations for Kids | Learn about the types of constellations, their names, and how to find them
4 Videos
Constellations for Kids | Learn about the types of constellations, their names, and how to find them
Star Pictures: Connecting the Dots in the Sky! What Are Constellations? Educational Video for Kids!
Constellations | Science for Kids
Let's Look at Constellations! | How We Study Space | SciShow Kids
Facts about stargazing for kids
⭐ A simple paper planisphere (star finder) shows which stars are visible at any date and time by aligning two disks.
🧭 Polaris (the North Star) sits very close to the north celestial pole, helping explorers find north for centuries.
🕒 The night sky shifts through the year because Earth orbits the Sun, so different constellations are visible in different seasons.
🌌 There are 88 officially recognized constellations that together map the entire sky.
🌍 Your latitude changes which constellations you can see — some are only visible from the Northern or Southern Hemisphere.
How do I make and use a simple star finder to spot a constellation?
What materials do I need to make a star finder for spotting constellations?
What ages is the Spot a Constellation activity suitable for?
What are the benefits and safety tips for the Spot a Constellation activity?
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