To appreciate the study of stars and the outer space, we looked into the constellations and understand how people of long time ago used to interpret them. As we all know, constellations were made up by astronomers, travellers, farmers and ancient people to identify stars: basically to tell the directions, seasons and weather. So Mavi and I explored some of the known constellations, learned when do they appear and identify their brightest star.
Our materials for the study includes a homemade constellations of stars and FantaColour Peg Board.
The cards are so easy to prepare: black cardstock, silver or gold star stickers and a silver/gold marker.
The FantaColour Peg Board was used by Mavi to recreate each constellation…
…and identify their brightest stars.
Ursa Major, Ursa Minor and Polestar (Big Dipper, Small Dipper and Polestar)
Scorpius
| Common Name | The Scorpion |
| This constellation contains some of the most spectacular stars, nebulae and star clusters. Closest to Milky Way | |
| Visible from | Worldwide |
| Location | Southern Hemisphere |
| Best time to see | After sunset of April to September |
| Brightest Star | Antares |
Leo
| Common Name | The Lion |
| Lies afar from the band of Milky Way. | |
| Visible from | Worldwide |
| Location | Northern Hemisphere |
| Best time to see | After sunset of February to June |
| Brightest Star | Regulus |
Sagittarius
| Common Name | The Archer |
| This has a vivid constellation and lies in the southern half of the sky. It is rich in star clusters and nebulae. This constellation shines brightly because the middle of the Milky Way lies in its borders. | |
| Visible from | Worldwide |
| Location | Southern Hemisphere |
| Best time to see | After sunset of July to October |
| Brightest Star | Kaus Australis |
Orion
| Common Name | The Hunter |
| This is the brightest and most popular constellations in the entire sky. It is exceptional since it can be seen from both the North and South Poles. | |
| Visible from | Worldwide |
| Location | Mid Latitude |
| Best time to see | After sunset of December to March |
| Brightest Star | Rigel |
Taurus
| Common Name | The Bull |
| The constellation looks like the front of a mighty bull charging towards the Orion. | |
| Visible from | Worldwide |
| Location | Northern Hemisphere |
| Best time to see | After sunset of November to February |
| Brightest Star | Aldebaran |
Cygnus
| Common Name | The Swan |
| This constellation contains many fascinating stars and nebulae. The pattern creates a distinct cross (known also as the Northern Cross) | |
| Visible from | Worldwide |
| Location | Northern Hemisphere |
| Best time to see | After sunset of July to November |
| Brightest Star | Deneb |
We are continuously learning about space. Currently, we’re looking at the chronological timeline of space exploration history and how space shuttles work. This has been a very fruitful topic for Mavi, and I am learning a lot as well! More posts about Space Study coming up in the next few days. Stay tuned!
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This is a wonderful resource for learning the constellations and bright stars! I love how you created the constellations on black card stock. :) Wonderful idea!
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