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Astronomy Year / Week 04 / Thursday
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Week 04 · Find North

Thursday

Use a compass
// The Big Dipper and the North Star
⏱ about 15 min

Thursday: Use a compass

Rocket holds a small compass. The needle wiggles and stops.

"It points to the North Star!" Rocket says.

Raven smiles. "Close! What do you notice about the letters on it?"

Nova hums. "Hint: a compass and Polaris both help you find north."

How a compass works

A compass has a needle that can turn.

The needle is a small magnet.

Earth has a weak magnetic pull all around it.

The needle lines up with it and points close to north.

It is not exactly the same north as Polaris. But it is close.

  1. Hold the compass flat in your hand.
  2. Wait for the needle to stop.
  3. Turn your body until the needle points to N.
  4. Now you are facing north!
Safety first
Keep the compass away from your mouth.
Stand away from metal and magnets when you use it.
COMPASS CHECK
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
Where does a compass needle point?
How should you hold a compass?
USE THE COMPASS
  • Tap a card.
  • Then tap its spot.
1First
2Next
3Then
4Last
For a grown-up
A simple compass works well, or a compass setting on a phone.
Find north from your Sky Night spot in daylight. Night is easier then.
In daylight, remind your child never to look at the Sun.

Two kinds of north

Polaris sits very close to true north.

A compass points to magnetic north.

They are close, but not exactly the same.

Both are good helpers for sky watchers.

COMPASS THINKING
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
What makes a compass needle turn?
Why stand away from metal when you use a compass?
A compass points to which north?
When is a good time to find north from your spot?
Compass factTrue or false?
The compass needle is a small magnet.?
A compass points exactly at Polaris.?
Hold a compass flat.?
Use a compass right next to a magnet.?
WHY THIS EXERCISEUsing a compass the right way gives a good answer.
Try it
In daylight, go to your Sky Night spot with a grown-up.
Use the compass to find north.
Pick a tree or roof in that direction to remember it.
Safety first
Never look at the Sun.
Stay with your grown-up.

You found north two ways! Tomorrow we plan the hunt for Polaris.

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