Astronomy (61 Near Nature Experiments)

You will need:

1. Tissue paper roll
2. Stickers of stars and
   planets
3. Internet access
4. Different colours

Create a simple ‘telescope’ to look at the night sky. Gaze at the stars and learn about various constellations, stars and other planets.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. If you don’t have a telescope, do not fret. Create a simple one using the
   tissue paper cardboard roll. Colour it and stick planets and stars on it.
2. While it is obviously not so powerful as an actual telescope, this hand
   made one will help you focus on the specific portions of the night sky at
   a time.
3. Before you prepare to go star-gazing, research the positions of various
   stars and planets on the Internet
   or your local library
   astronomy book.
4. Note down the various
   constellations visible
   to us and also their
   general shapes.

RESULT

On any given night, if the sky is clear, we can see at least 1,000 stars. While some constellations like ‘the Great Bear’ are easily visible, others like ‘Orion’ are visible only for certain months. Observe the North Star, Venus, Mars and other smaller collections of stars like ‘the Big Dipper’ (part of Great Bear). While the earth moves, the North Star appears stationary in the night sky, making it a great compass for anyone on the earth. Read the stories behind the names of various stars and constellations and have fun understanding and observing the night sky.