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go stargazing

Get to know what's going on in the night sky, even if you don't own a rocket.

you’ll need

a torch

a notebook

some pictures of the constellations

a pencil

a notebook

a compass

binoculars or a telescope (optional)

Step 1

Plan your stargazing expedition for a night with no clouds and not much moonlight. Choose a safe spot away from streetlights, headlights and bright signs.

Step 2

Before heading out, draw a circle at least 12cm across in your notebook. That’ll be the horizon on your star map.

Step 3

Mark ‘north’ at the top of the circle and leave room to sketch in landmarks. Find an adult and set off to your stargazing spot.

Step 4

Give your eyes a bit of time to adjust to the dark, then add landmarks to the horizon on your star map like trees and buildings.

Step 5

Use your compass to find north. Make sure the marking for north on your star map is pointing the right way, to help you keep track of the constellations.

Step 6

Look straight up and draw dots or little circles where you see stars. You can use binoculars or a telescope to help you see more clearly.

Step 7

Make a note of the date, time, weather and place, so you remember which stargazing trip your drawings are from.

Top tip: you can tell the difference between planets and stars as planets don’t twinkle. Some other bright lights you see could be satellites, aeroplanes, or meteors, otherwise known as shooting stars. Don’t forget to make a wish.

outside our drinks

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