I'd really like to introduce my kids (under 7) to astronomy. Each time they look at the sky, they always ask what constellations I see.
I always show them the dipper and Orions belt.
Other then those two, I really can't spot any others. I was given a book on astronomy which shows all the constellations as well as the myth behind them.
However, I do find it very hard to locate them.
Are there any tips to assist? Are there any pc programs available that could be configured for the city you live in that would show the various constellations for a given day and time from our location.
Any other tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
2006-10-15 15:01:28 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
I have been a lifelong subscriber to "Sky and Telescope" magazine. Everyone agrees that it is the best publication for amateur astronomy. Every month they publish a night sky map that shows the constellations that can be seen that month. You can pick up a copy at many of the more advanced news stands such as Barnes and Noble, etc. I also read Sir Patrick Moore's book "Amateur Astronomy". It is the most helpful book I have ever read that discusses how to find the various constellations. However, I don't think it is in print any longer.
All you really need to know to find your way around the sky is how to find 1)the pole star "Polaris" which marks the North Celestial Pole and 2)The Zodiac, which is where all of the solar system objects are located. Once you can find these two general areas, the rest should fall into place fairly easily. For instance, Sagittarius in the Zodiac is also where the center of our galaxy is located. For best viewing, you should leave the city and venture out into the countryside where there is less light pollution and thus darker skys. Have fun! Observing the night sky is great fun!
2006-10-15 15:24:42 · answer #1 · answered by Sciencenut 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get yourself a planisphere. It's a circle of paper that you hold above your head at night (with a flashlight if it doesn't glow in the dark) and orient yourself north-south - it has the constellations on it where they should be above your head (you can set it for the time of day and year).
You can also get a good computer program for that. Some good ones are Redshift (that's an older one), TheSky, and Voyager. I use Voyager in my astronomy labs for college students - you can set location, time, date, and see how the stars, planets, comets etc move and where they will be.
Look around for a local planetarium as well. A lot of universities have them, and some give regular shows. Just call up and ask.
2006-10-15 15:33:50 · answer #2 · answered by eri 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Remember the constellations with their stories:
Start with the circumpolar group Cassiopeia (W or M) Cepheus, Perseus, Andromeda, Pegasus and Draco. Rent the movie "Clash of the Titans" The youngsters will get a kick out of seeing that movie and then seeing the constellations. Go with the suggestions with sky and telescope, get a subscription. Email me if needed orion_1812@yahoo.com, make the reference line astonomy related
2006-10-15 16:43:39 · answer #3 · answered by orion_1812@yahoo.com 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes there is the web site www.astronomy.com that is the most reliable. There is the N.A.S.A. based web site, as well. Or google it and they have the Hubble up close and live on the net to show you the planets that the Hubble has recorded you may also see the alignment of the moons on Jupiter as well as the constellations of stars.
2006-10-15 15:07:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First get an outstanding movie star map. U can purchase it or print it from astronomy web content or planetarium software accessible in the internet loose. Then carry the chart in staggering course.locate any bgightconstellation and identfy sa magnificent movie star in it. Bystar hopping that is going from brighter one to fainter one U can perceive the constellation or interior of reach consterllations. Stellarium is a loose software doown loaded loose from information superhighway.
2016-12-04 21:11:42 · answer #5 · answered by walko 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get out away from the city. This way you get the best view of the complete sky. Get the kids to find the North Star first, as each other consellation can be related to it.
2006-10-15 15:09:24 · answer #6 · answered by Marvinator 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.philharrington.net/afaa.htm
http://www.parents-choice.org/print_article.cfm?art_id=32&the_page=consider_this
http://www.astro.umass.edu/~arny/constel/learn_const.html
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/stars/constellations.shtml
http://www.dibonsmith.com/
2006-10-15 15:15:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋