www.mayodarkskypark.ie

Step 1 – Print out the ‘planisphere’ document from our website. If you are able to print out onto card this would create a more stable template.

Step 2 – Using scissors, cut around the outside of planisphere and also cut out the white inner oval to make a hole in the middle. Fold the grey area on the dotted lines shown.

Step 3 – Using scissors, cut around the outside of star map.

Step 4 – place the star map into the planisphere pocket. Swivel the star map around to line up the date and the time to the day you are outside.

Please note between March – October (British Summer Time) you will need to adjust the sky map to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) by deducting one hour from the current time. I.e. if you are outside at 10pm you will need to make the time 9pm.

Step 5 – Identify where North and South are on the planisphere. Then you need a compass to identify where North /South is outside. Stand facing South, looking down at the planisphere so that North is at the top facing away from you. Lift the planisphere above your head and the white disk area will show you the stars in the night sky.

Use your planisphere as a guide to find the brightest stars.

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www.mayodarkskypark.ie

Making a Planisphere

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www.mayodarkskypark.ie

Making a Planisphere