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How to make a Planisphere

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.



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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.












A video of how to make a planisphere can also be found at
http://www.childrensuniversity.manchester.ac.uk/interactives/science/e
arthandbeyond/discovermore/planisphere_video.asp
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