The Night Sky

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ACTIVITY: Observing Stars and Constellations

Even if you can't do the entire activity in the real sky, please make an effort at least to go outside on a clear night and soak in the majesty of the heavens. Always take prudent precautions in the dark, but try to get out in the open away from obstructions. It is difficult to imagine the enormity of the universe if you are surrounded by buildings. If possible, get yourself a planisphere (an adjustable star chart that can be set to the particular date and time), or print out a star chart from your planetarium software. Try to identify some constellations, but most importantly, just experience the depth and mystery of the Cosmos.

For Directions on When and Where to Look for Various Constellations, Click the Button.

1) Open your Planetarium software.

2) Across the top you should see the options:
File - Edit - Set - Field - Center - Animation - Miscellaneous - Help.
From this bar click on "Field," then "Chart Mode" and finally "Local Horizon."

3) Under "Set," check to be sure that your "Geographical Location" is right for your city or town.

4) Under "Field," set "Field Size" to 180 degrees or "Zoom out full".

Now, at this point you may want to set the following for your particular date and time. However, for the purposes of this demonstration, you can use the date and time I suggest below. At other dates and times the constellations visible likely will be different.

5) Under "Set," select "Time" and then "Enter Local Time." Set the date and time for January 30 at 9 p.m. (21 hours). The year doesn't really matter.

6) Under "Center," select "Point on Horizon" then "Zenith." Under "Field," "Lines/Points," be sure that "Constellations" is checked. And under "Field," "Display," be sure that "Lines" and "Star" are checked.

7) At this point you should be able to recognize the constellation Orion , much as displayed in the previous graphic . It is near the bottom center of the image. [By the way, if you wish to use this kind of chart outside at night, first set it up for the particular date and time and then print it out. At the date and time you have set, go outside and face South. Hold the chart in front of you with "South" at the bottom (in other words, as it printed out). This hold it overhead. The stars and constellations will be in approximately the same positions in the real sky as on the chart.]

8) Now, after carefully noting Orion's position, go back to the "Set" menu and adjust the time to one hour later (10 p.m or 22 hours).

9) Under "Center," select "On Point on Horizon," and then again "Zenith."

10) The sky should now appear as it would an hour later, and you can notice Orion's change in position westward. This amounts to about 15 degrees per hour, such that in 24 hours, it will have moved approximately back into the same position as the previous night.

When and Where to Look for the Constellations in the Real Sky:

 

The following is a list of the brighter constellations easily visible throughout most of North America or Europe at various times of the year. The suggested times are for the best positioning of the constellations, but you should realize that the constellations are visible at other times as well. For instance, the constellations visible at 9 p.m. in mid-March are about the same as those visible at 11 p.m. in mid-February. These times are approximately when the constellations are as high as they get, and located on a North-South line. Times are given for 9 p.m. Standard Time, and 10 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time (or Summer Time). Use your planetarium software for a star chart of the current month, and visit the links for more information on the constellations.
 
  • Taurus (9 p.m. mid-January, high overhead)
  • Orion (9 p.m., late January, high the South)
  • Auriga (9 p.m., late January, high overhead)
  • Canis Major (9 p.m., mid-February, high to the South)
  • Gemini (9 p.m., mid-February, high overhead)
  • Cancer (9 p.m., mid-March, high overhead)
(Daylight Saving Time begins the first Sunday in April for North America)
  • Leo (10 p.m., mid-April, high overhead)
  • Ursa Major (10 p.m., late April, high to the North)
  • Corvus (10 p.m., early May, low to the South)
  • Virgo (10 p.m., late May, high to the South)
  • Boötes (10 p.m., mid-June, high overhead)
  • Libra (10 p.m., late June, low to the South)
  • Ursa Minor (10 p.m., late June, high to the North)
  • Corona Borealis (10 p.m., late June, high overhead)
  • Draco (10 p.m., mid-July, high to the North)
  • Hercules (10 p.m., mid-July, high overhead)
  • Ophiuchus (10 p.m., mid-July, high to the South)
  • Scorpius (10 p.m., mid-July, low to the South)
  • Lyra (10 p.m., mid-August, high overhead)
  • Sagittarius (10 p.m., mid-August, low to the South)
  • Aquila (10 p.m., late August, high to the South)
  • Capricornus (10 p.m., mid-September, low to the South)
  • Cygnus (10 p.m., mid-September, high overhead)
  • Delphinus (10 p.m., mid-September, high to the South)
  • Aquarius (10 p.m., early October, high to the South)
  • Cepheus (10 p.m., early October, high to the North)
  • Pegasus (10 p.m., late October, high overhead)

(Daylight Saving Time ends the last Sunday in October for North America)
  • Andromeda (9 p.m., mid-November, high overhead)
  • Cassiopeia (9 p.m., mid-November, high to the North)
  • Pisces (9 p.m., mid-November, high to the South)
  • Aries (9 p.m., early December, high overhead)
  • Cetus (9 p.m., early December, low to the South)
  • Eridanus (9 p.m., late December, low to the South)
  • Perseus (9 p.m., late December, high to the North)

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