StarWatchStarwatch + Earch Hour: Brought to you byTVO KidsThe Ontario Science Centre

On March 27th, participate in a Canada-wide experiment. Print out a star chart and record which of the stars in the Little Dipper are visible in your night sky during Earth Hour and then again once the lights are back on. Submit your results online and see your data appear on our night sky map of North America.


What you'll need:


Instructions:

  1. Turn out your lights at 8:30 p.m., it’s Earth Hour!
  2. Head outside with your star chart and pencil.
    (You'll need the free Acrobat Reader to view or print the document. )
  3. Find an unobstructed view of the sky to the North. 

Learn to StarWatch with Science Centre astronomer Sara Poirier

Learn to StarWatch with Science Centre astronomer Sara Poirier: Watch video

  1. Locate the Big Dipper, high in the northern sky.
  1. In the sky, trace an imaginary line to connect the two end stars of the bowl of the Big Dipper. Extend this line until you reach a moderately bright star. This is Polaris, the North Star.

  1. Starting at Polaris, go along the handle and around the bowl to identify the stars of the Little Dipper. How many can you see?
  1. At 9:15, use your pencil to circle the stars in the Little Dipper that you can see on your star chart. Be sure to record the date, time and location of your observation.
  2. At 9:45, repeat your observation. This time, place an ‘x’ next to the stars visible in the Little Dipper. Record the time.
  1. Return to www.RedShiftNow.ca/starwatch/ and submit your data online.

Observing tips and tricks

  • Optimize your night vision by allowing your eyes 15 minutes to adjust to the dark. Use this time to get yourself oriented by finding the Little Dipper.
  • Shield your eyes from any direct light sources—bright lights will spoil your night vision.
  • If you need a flashlight, tape a piece of brown paper bag or red tissue paper across the lens of a regular flashlight. This will dim the light and preserve your night vision.

For more information about Earth Hour visit earthhour.org or wwf.ca