Hey there! Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered about the stars? Well, you’re in for a treat! Today, we’re going to learn about constellations, which are groups of stars that form shapes or pictures in the sky. Our friends Sam the Bat and Jessi are here to guide us through this starry adventure.
Constellations are like giant connect-the-dot puzzles in the sky. When you draw lines between certain stars, they can look like animals, objects, or even people. For example, there’s a famous constellation called the “Big Dipper,” which looks like a big soup ladle!
Even though the stars in a constellation appear close together, they’re actually very far apart. People have been looking at these star pictures for a long time and even tell stories about them. You might see a bear, a spoon, or even a flying horse like Pegasus!
As the Earth moves around the Sun throughout the year, we get to see different parts of space. This is why the constellations you see can change with the seasons. It’s like riding in a car and seeing different buildings as you move along. In the Northern Hemisphere, you might see Orion during winter, but by summer, it’s out of view because the Sun is too bright during the day.
Stars aren’t just pretty to look at—they can also help us find our way! One important star is Polaris, also known as the North Star. It’s part of the Little Dipper constellation and is always north of us. If you can find Polaris, you know which way is north. This can be super helpful if you’re trying to navigate, especially before GPS was invented!
Now, let’s answer a fun question from Gemma, age 8: “Why do I get side-aches when I run?” These side-aches, or side-stitches, are common when exercising. Scientists think they might be caused by your diaphragm, a muscle that helps you breathe, working extra hard. It could also be the ligaments near your diaphragm getting sore from being jolted around.
To avoid side-stitches, try waiting a bit after eating before running, stretch your sides, and keep practicing to make your muscles stronger. This way, they won’t get tired and sore as easily.
Looking at the night sky and learning about constellations is so much fun! The more you explore, the more you’ll want to know. What constellations have you seen? Do they change with the seasons? Imagine finding your way using just the stars!
Keep exploring with Sam the Bat, Jessi, and all their friends. Who knows what amazing things you’ll discover next in the night sky!
Create Your Own Constellation: Grab some black construction paper and white chalk or stickers. Imagine your own constellation by connecting dots to form a shape or picture. What story does your constellation tell? Share it with your friends or family and see if they can spot it in the night sky!
Starry Night Observation: On a clear night, go outside with an adult and try to find some constellations. Can you spot the Big Dipper or Orion? Use a simple star map or an app to help you. Notice how the stars seem to twinkle and how they are arranged. Do you see any patterns or shapes?
Seasonal Constellation Journal: Start a journal to track the constellations you see each season. Draw what you observe and write a few sentences about how the sky looks different as the months go by. This will help you understand how the Earth’s movement changes our view of the stars.
