How to Read the Stories of the Sky: Part 2

I’m back with part two of the constellation blog series! Previously I posted one about the stories behind the constellations. This one is about how to find constellations in the night sky. Enjoy!

Part 2: How to Read Constellations

When you first look up at the night sky it can be very daunting. There are so many stars!  But take a deep breath and follow these simple steps to locate the constellation of your choice.

1. Go to this website http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/starfinder/ and open up the star chart for the current month. (I would suggest printing it too.) 

   - Every month you are actually looking at different stars because of the rotation of the Earth around the sun. That is why each map is different.

2. Go outside on a clear, cloudless night.

    -The darker it is the better. Light pollution can block out some stars. Clouds also block what you can see. It is really fun to look for constellations when backpacking or camping!

3. Open up your star chart and align the horizons of the sky to the horizons on the star chart.

   -The stripe of dots in the middle is the edge of the Milky Way! Cool, right?!

This is the star chart for January from the above website. (http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/starfinder/) The underlined purple words are what should be aligned with the horizons.

4. Pick a constellation on the chart.

   -The ones on the chart are the most common and easiest to find.

5. Hold up the star chart and use it to help search for the constellation.

    -Do this by holding the chart aligned with the horizons and seeing where the constellation should be. Look in that approximate location in the sky for the constellation. Remember that this map is 34 degree north latitude (Los Angeles) so if you are north of that everything will be slightly south and vice versa.

If finding the constellations with your eyes and the star chart just doesn’t seem to be working out for you then there is another option. :) 

-For people with an iPhone, iPod, or iPad go here to and search constellation in the app store to find many wonderful and helpful apps.

-For people with an Android device go here to and search constellation finder in the store to find many wonderful and helpful apps.

Have fun finding the constellations and keep an eye out for shooting stars and UFOs!