Here is an astronomical tool that will help you find constellations of stars and other things in the sky.
All you need to do is print out the Sky Wheel Holder (24K pdf) and the two star wheels currently available:
1. Basic Constellations (60K pdf)
2. Coordinates Star Wheel (132K pdf)
After you print them, cut them out and assemble them following the directions that areon the printout.
Once you have that in hand, directions below on how to use it will make sense.
How to use the Sky Wheel:
To find a constellation in the sky using the Star Wheel, follow these steps:
What date and time of night?
Rotate the Star Wheel in the Star Holder until your desired time of night lines up with the desired date.
Which horizon is the constellation closest to?
Find the constellation on the Star Wheel and note which horizon it is closest to.
How do I make it right-side up?
Orient the Star Holder so that the horizon the constellation is near is at the bottom. This will allow that part of the sky to look right-side up to you. For example, if your constellation is closest to the northern horizon, flip the Star Holder upside down so that you are reading northern horizon at the bottom of the oval.
How high is the constellation in the sky?
Is the constellation closerto the zenith (center of the map) or closer to the horizon?
What shape is the constellation?
Memorize the pattern of stars in the constellation. Can I see the constellation in the sky? Find it!
Uncle Al's Sky Wheels were created by the LHS Hands-On Universe project