Astronomy Instructions

This week we are going to explore some of the wonders of the universe with this Stargazing and Astronomy kit. Included are some stargazing tips and a star map, instructions for a DIY Sundial, and materials to make some astronomy inspired origami! Get out and stargaze! Wyoming is an ideal stargazing location and summer is the perfect time to get out! Stargazing tips: ● Timing: Wait until it gets totally dark, at least an hour after sunset. Make sure there are not too many clouds blocking the view ● Light Pollution: We are lucky in Wyoming to not have much light pollution. However, if you get further away from town you will be able to see more stars. You should still be able to see quite a few from your yard or house though! ● Star Maps: Using a star map or some other guide to stargaze will let you know what exactly you are looking at and teach you about new stars, planets, and constellations. Use the star map in this guide or download a free stargazing app. We recommend SkyView Free, Sky Map, or Star Walk 2. Objects to look for in the sky: ❏ The North Star (Polaris): Look due north and find ursa major and ursa minor (big dipper and little dipper). The north star is the last star at the end of the little dipper’s handle. You can also find it by drawing a line straight up from the big dipper’s “spout” ❏Jupiter: Just after sunset, just around dusk look for Jupiter in the southeast. It will be one of the brightest objects in the sky ❏Draco (the dragon): near the little dipper (see star map) ❏Milky Way: the bright “river” of light that runs through the sky. The milky way is actually our own galaxy. The huge collection of stars, planets, space dust, and other objects is what makes it so bright. ❏Pegasus: in the east earlier in the night and then moving across the sky. ❏Cassiopeia: bright W shaped constellation in the northeast ❏Venus: look towards the East just before sunset, it will be a very bright yellowish object This map is for Laramie on July 31st at 11:00 PM, not much should change if you are viewing it at a slightly different date. If viewing at a different time, the rotation of the planets and constellations will be different. Customize your map here https://in-the-sky.org/skymap2.php or download an app to get a sky map at your specific time and location Astro Origami Instructions can be found through CreativeBug a new craft class service available through ACPL! 1. Log in using your library card number here: https://www.creativebug.com/lib/acplwy 2. Once logged in follow this link https://www.creativebug.com/classseries/single/astro-origami or the QR code below for instructions 3. Use the paper provided to make these space-inspired origami designs! a. Cut the white paper and the planet image to the specified dimensions before you fold 4. Don’t worry if you don’t have a bone folder! I made these just folding with my hands and the hard side of a fingernail and it worked out great! DIY Sundial Follow the instructions to create a sundial to tell the time! Laramie is at 41 degrees Latitude..

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