Making a Planisphere
An activity to demonstrate how a planisphere operates. A planisphere is a star chart analog computing instrument in the form of two adjustable disks that rotate on a common pivot.
What You Need
- 2 page cut-out pattern, per child one star chart and one pocket- attached below
- Tape
- Scissors
- Fastener pin
Guide:
Safety Notes
Ensure you are familiar with Let's Talk Science's precautions with respect to safe virtual outreach to youth.
What To Do
- Cut out the sky chart and the pocket pattern (including the centre oval).
- To make the pocket, fold along the dotted lines and use tape to secure if needed.
- Slide the star chart into the pocket.
- Insert a fastener pin through the star Polaris to secure the star chart in the pocket (Polaris is in the exact centre of the sky chart, located in the constellation Ursa Minor).
Discovery
To determine which constellations are visible on any given day or month, simply rotate the sky chart disk so that the correct time arrow on the pocket line up with the date. What appears in the oval is what you will see in the night sky.
What's Happening?
To determine which constellations are visible on any given day or month, simply rotate the sky chart disk so that the correct time arrow on the pocket line up with the date. What appears in the oval is what you will see in the night sky.