Investigation 3.1: Drawing a Star Map

Determine your best location from which to observe the night sky. After the skies are dark enough to see several stars and constellations, draw a picture of some part of the sky of your choice. Draw appropriately-sized points to denote the magnitudes of the stars. If you see patterns that you think may be constellations, draw in the lines where you think they belong. Represent the sky as accurately as possible, including the color of any stars you may notice. If you do not know any directions, then draw in one or more objects on the horizon to use as reference points. Do you think your classmates will recognize your star map? If you go out with your sky map at the same time of night one week later, would you expect to see the same patterns? Will they be in the same location? Try it and see. Record any differences on your map. Discuss your observations and results with your classmates.