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    Home » Science Experiments for Kids » How to find the North Star

    How to find the North Star

    November 26, 2017 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

    Do you know how to find the North Star?

    Most people think of the North Star ( Polaris ) as being the brightest star in the sky, but there are actually many stars much brighter.

    The reason Polaris is so important is because the axis of Earth is pointed almost directly at it, meaning Polaris does not rise or set, but remains in almost the same spot above the northern horizon all year while the other stars circle around it. This means that in the Northern Hemisphere Polaris is relatively easy to find in a northerly direction.

    Ursa Major and Ursa Minor in the Sky - showing position of the North Star ( Polaris )
    Ursa Major and Ursa Minor showing the position of Polaris

    If you were at the North Pole where do you think the North Star would be?

    The North star would be directly overhead.

    How to find the North Star

    Polaris is part of the constellation of Ursa Minor, also known as Little Bear or Little Dipper.   Polaris lies at the end of the handle of the Little Dipper, and is by far the brightest of the 7 stars.

    Polaris in Ursa Minor

    What is a constellation?

    A constellation is a group of stars which form a recognisable pattern. These are traditionally identified with a mythological figure.

    Glow in the Dark Constellations – How to find the North Star

    We made glow in the dark constellations using glow in the dark paint and black card. This was a great way visualise each constellation and a lot of fun in the dark too!

    How to find the North Star using constellations
    Orion the constellation and the stars that make it up. Bellatrix, Rigel, Saiph, Meissa

    Materials

    Glow in the dark paint

    Black card

    Sticky stars – optional

    Instructions

    Choose a constellation to represent and use the glow in the dark paint to draw the stars as dots on your black paper.

    Can you ask a friend to guess what each constellation is in the dark?

    Can you tell what these three constellations are?

    Glow in the dark constellations -how to find the North Star

    More constellation activities for kids

    MollyMoo has some beautiful constellation sewing cards.

    Try some dot to dot constellations from These Moments at Home.

    Steam Powered Family has some lovely pipe cleaner constellations.

    Did you know?

    Polaris has not always been the North Star. The Earth wobbles on its axis as it rotates which means over time it points to different stars. In 3000BC The North star was Thuban!

    Now you know how to find the North Star!

    If you enjoyed this, try some more of our space science activity ideas.

    Image shows the location of Polaris ( the North Star ) in the Little Dipper and Big Dipper.

    Last Updated on November 16, 2021 by Emma Vanstone

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    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

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