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Astronomy for kids ages 9 to 12
The Dipper
Purpose: To locate an asterism.
Materials:
directional
compass
Procedure
1. During the day, use the compass to determine the direction of North.
2. Find a place that provides the best view of the northern part of the sky.
3. Go outside on a clear moonless night and stand in the designated spot facing
North.
4. Look for seven stars that form the shape of a large dipper.
Note: The bowl of the dipper faces different directions, even upside
down, at different times.
Results: A group of stars called the Big Dipper is found.
Why? The Big Dipper is an asterism (a group of stars that form a shape within a
constellation). Ursa Major (the Great Bear)
is the constellation that Big Dipper is a part of. Once you find the Big
Dipper, search for the rest of Ursa Major. It is
easiest to find in the spring, when it is high above the northern horizon.
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