Constellation Cups
Template
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Materials
- Constellation Cups Template (download above)
- Paper Cups
- Scissors
- Needle / Push-pin / Tack
- Single bulb Flashlight
- Watch the video linked below to learn about constellations.
- Print out the Constellation Cups Template.
- Cut out the constellations you would like to see projected.
- Tape a constellation circle to the bottom of a paper cup.
- Take a needle or tack and carefully poke holes where there are circles (Note: This step can be dangerous so parent supervision is strongly advised).
- Once you are done making the holes, remove the taped constellation circle from the bottom of the cup.
- Finally, find an empty wall, turn off the lights, and point the flashlight into the opening of the cup (Note: This works best if the flashlight is pointed on the sides of the cup so that the light projects through the holes)
- Enjoy observing the constellations in your room!
- How do you think constellations are used today? Are they still important to sailors?
- While ships no longer rely on the constellations to show them the correct path, astronomers use certain stars on constellations for reference. Most astronomers nowadays use a concept called celestial coordinates to map the night sky. (Note: answers can vary).
- While ships no longer rely on the constellations to show them the correct path, astronomers use certain stars on constellations for reference. Most astronomers nowadays use a concept called celestial coordinates to map the night sky. (Note: answers can vary).
- Are all the stars that make up the constellations the same brightness or distance?
- No; constellations are made up of stars that can be millions of light years apart from each other and even farther from Earth. Similarly, because brightness of stars is measured based on how bright the star looks from Earth, the farther the star is, the dimmer it appears.
- No; constellations are made up of stars that can be millions of light years apart from each other and even farther from Earth. Similarly, because brightness of stars is measured based on how bright the star looks from Earth, the farther the star is, the dimmer it appears.
- Research Question: Look up your favorite constellation and research the number of stars that make up the constellation. Which star is the brightest? What is the history behind the constellation?
Published 6.27.2020
Author: Rupali Venkatesan
