Stargazing: The Great Square of Pegasus

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In this lesson, students learn about the Great Square of Pegasus, a prominent constellation that can be easily spotted in the night sky during fall. The lesson provides guidance on locating the constellation and highlights its significance, including the star Alpharatz, which serves as a marker for finding the nearby Andromeda Galaxy. The Great Square, composed of just four stars, is celebrated for its role in stargazing and connecting viewers to other celestial wonders.
  1. What shape do you see when you look for the Great Square of Pegasus in the sky?
  2. Why is the star Alpharatz important when looking for the Andromeda Galaxy?
  3. How can spotting the Great Square of Pegasus help you enjoy stargazing more?

Discovering the Great Square of Pegasus

Have you ever imagined seeing a flying horse in the sky? While you won’t find a real flying horse up there, you can discover a group of stars known as the Great Square of Pegasus. It’s a fun and easy constellation to spot, especially on a fall night.

How to Find the Great Square of Pegasus

To see this constellation, wait a couple of hours after sunset. Then, look towards the east and gaze upwards. You might notice a shape that looks more like a giant box than a horse. This is the Great Square of Pegasus, and it’s a fantastic tool for stargazing.

Spotting Alpharatz and the Andromeda Galaxy

Within the Great Square, there’s a special star called Alpharatz. This star is also part of another constellation named Andromeda. Alpharatz can help guide you to the Andromeda Galaxy, which is the closest full-size galaxy to our own Milky Way.

Why the Great Square is Special

Even though the Great Square of Pegasus is made up of only four stars, it’s a remarkable sight in the night sky. For its usefulness in helping us find other celestial wonders, I would give the Great Square of Pegasus five stars!

  • Have you ever looked up at the night sky and tried to find shapes or pictures in the stars? What did you see, and how did it make you feel?
  • Imagine you are outside on a clear night. How would you describe the Great Square of Pegasus to a friend who has never seen it before?
  • Why do you think people long ago created stories and pictures about the stars, like the flying horse Pegasus? Can you think of a story or picture you might create from the stars?
  • Starry Art Project: Create your own constellation art! Use black construction paper and white chalk or stickers to draw the Great Square of Pegasus. Try to include Alpharatz and the Andromeda Galaxy. Once finished, share your artwork with family or friends and explain what each part represents.
  • Stargazing Adventure: On a clear night, go outside with a parent or guardian and try to find the Great Square of Pegasus in the sky. Bring a star map or use a stargazing app to help you. Once you spot it, see if you can also find Alpharatz and imagine where the Andromeda Galaxy might be.
  • Imagination Exploration: Think about why the Great Square of Pegasus is special. What do you think it would be like to ride a flying horse? Draw a picture or write a short story about your adventure in the sky, using the stars as your guide.

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