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Astronomy Year / Week 04 / Friday
5/6
Week 04 · Find North

Friday

The Big Dipper through the year
// The Big Dipper and the North Star
⏱ about 15 min

Friday: The Big Dipper through the year

Rocket looks north in the fall. "The Big Dipper is so low!"

Raven remembers spring. "It was high then. What do you notice?"

Nova draws a big circle around Polaris. "Hint: the Dipper circles the North Star."

High in spring, low in fall

The Big Dipper circles around Polaris.

On spring evenings, it is high in the north.

On fall evenings, it is low in the north.

Trees or houses may hide it then.

WHEN TO LOOK
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
When is the Big Dipper high in the evening?
In fall, where do you look for the Big Dipper?
Dipper factTrue or false?
The Big Dipper circles around Polaris.?
The Big Dipper is in the south.?
In fall, trees may hide the Big Dipper.?
WHY THIS EXERCISEKnowing where to look saves time on Sky Night.
For a grown-up
Is the Big Dipper hidden low in fall? Try again in spring.
Pick a spot with a clear view to the north.

Seasons of the Dipper

SeasonBig Dipper in the evening
SpringHigh in the north
FallLow in the north

When the Big Dipper is low, another pattern is high.

It is a W of five bright stars called Cassiopeia.

Cassiopeia is on the other side of Polaris.

You will meet it in week 6!

DIPPER SEASONS
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
It is a fall evening. Where is the Big Dipper?
Which pattern is high when the Big Dipper is low?
What shape is Cassiopeia?
Trees hide the Big Dipper in fall. What can you do?
PLAN THE NORTH HUNT
  • Tap a card.
  • Then tap its spot.
1First
2Next
3Then
4Last
North skyTrue or false?
Cassiopeia is on the other side of Polaris.?
The Big Dipper is high in fall.?
The Big Dipper circles Polaris.?
WHY THIS EXERCISEThe north sky turns like a big wheel around Polaris.
Draw Polaris in the middle. Add the Big Dipper on one side. Add a W on the other side.

Your plan is ready! Tomorrow night you find north in the sky.

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