Stargazing: Northern Hemisphere Winter

**Embark on a cosmic adventure and explore the wonders of the night sky.** This virtual stargazing experience invites students to journey through the stars and discover the constellations that have guided and inspired people for generations. In this immersive experience, students will become junior astronomers as they navigate the Northern Hemisphere's sky. From Orion to Ursa Minor and Andromeda to Gemini, they will uncover the myths, legends, and science behind some of the night sky's most iconic formations. **Note to Teachers:** This explorable scene allows students to explore the night sky and the concept of stargazing. The scene is set into two parts – winter and summer – allowing students to identify and compare the constellations between the two seasons. # Learning Objectives 1. Identify constellations from the summer and winter sky{.info} 2. Describe how the night sky changes between winter and summer due to Earth’s orbit around the sun{.info} # Preparing for the Experience Stargazing offers opportunities to develop students' curiosity about space, science and cultural history. During the experience, students will observe constellations – patterns of stars named after mythical creatures and objects. These patterns remain largely unchanged from those seen by ancient civilizations. Humans have used the night sky for navigation, storytelling, and scientific exploration for thousands of years. This experience supports students in understanding that the Earth rotates and orbits the sun, which causes the night sky to shift with the seasons. Whether using a telescope or observing directly, the activity encourages students to make meaningful connections between astronomy, culture and scientific observation. **Preparation Questions** 1. What are stars?{.task} 2. What is a telescope?{.task} # Step-by-Step Experience Guide Once students are in the headset, teachers can use this step-by-step guide to guide them through the experience. Alternatively, students can use the guide below independently or in a group. # Viewpoint{.objective .objective1}  It's a clear summer night – perfect for stargazing. From this viewing platform, you'll see a star map surrounded by stone markers. A little further out are some colorful signs – we'll explore those later. The star map shows constellations – groups of stars that form patterns in the night sky that are typically visible in May. To help you explore, they're color-coded. White constellations are part of your first challenge. They match the twinkling stars above, and each stone marker points to one of them. Colored constellations match both the night sky and the campsite signs. You'll explore them during your second challenge. Look around to get your bearings – compass directions are marked along the horizon. When you're ready, return to the top of the viewpoint to continue your journey. **Quickfire Questions** - What is a constellation?{.task} - How can constellations be recognized?{.task} # Summer Viewpoint{.objective .objective2}  Head up to the viewpoint near the star map and stone markers. Each marker points to a constellation in the sky. Watch as animated lines trace the constellation’s shape above you. An image of the matching creature or object will appear on the stone ornament below. These patterns represent mythical creatures or objects. Take a moment to observe both the constellation and the image. Can you spot the pattern? Try matching it to the star map and identifying the constellation by name. Take your time, relax and enjoy the experience. **Quickfire Questions** - Which constellations did you identify?{.task} - What mythical creatures or objects did they represent?{.task} # Summer Night Sky{.objective .objective3}  When you’re ready, walk around the campsite and look at each colored sign. Each one shows a constellation from the star map and the creature or object it represents. As you explore, look up at the night sky and try to find the same constellation. There won't be any guiding lines this time – just the stars. Can you spot them all? **Quickfire Questions** - Which constellations did you identify?{.task} - Which constellations were difficult to recognize?{.task} # Winter Viewpoint{.objective .objective4}  Now that you're more familiar with stargazing, it's time to explore the winter night sky. Follow the signs out of the campsite to reach a new viewpoint. You'll notice the layout is similar to the summer campsite. Here, you'll see a new star map, color-coded like before, but showing constellations visible in winter, around November. The white constellations match the stone markers. As each one points, lines will appear in the sky to trace the pattern, and an image of the creature or object will show on the marker below. Some of the constellations have changed. That's because as the Earth moves around the sun, we face different parts of the sky in different seasons. New constellations appear, and others fade from view – though some stay visible all year in other parts of the globe. Take your time, relax and enjoy the winter sky. **Quickfire Questions** - Which new constellations did you see in the winter sky?{.task} - Which constellations did you see that were also present in the summer sky{.task} # Winter Night Sky{.objective .objective5}  When you've finished looking at the white constellations, walk around the campsite and find the colorful signs. Each one shows a different constellation and the creature or object it represents. Take your time to stargaze. Can you find these constellations in the sky above? Some will be new and only visible in winter, while others are seen throughout most of the year and might feel familiar. **Quickfire Questions** - Which constellations were only visible in the winter night sky?{.task} - Which constellations were visible in both winter and summer night sky?{.task} # Constellations{.objective .objective6}  So, what have you discovered during this experience? You've learned that constellations are patterns of stars in the night sky. The star maps you've seen show views from the Northern Hemisphere – one in summer and one in winter. As Earth orbits the sun, the sky changes. Some constellations appear only in certain seasons, but others are visible all year. Their positions shift slightly depending on Earth's position in its orbit. In this scene, the following constellations appear in both summer and winter – Ursa Minor, Ursa Major, Cassiopeia, Gemini, Cepheus, Lyra and Cygnus. Take a moment to explore the night sky again. Try to find these constellations in both seasons and notice how their positions have changed. Use the compass points on the horizon to help you. **Quickfire Questions** - How has the position of each constellation changed?{.task} - Why has the position of these constellations changed?{.task} # Extended Learning As students have explored the night sky as seen in May and November, they can build on this knowledge by researching a third period of the calendar year. - Investigate the appearance of the night sky in February, using online resources or stargazing apps - Identify and list 5 to 10 constellations typically visible at this time of year - Create a star map for February, mirroring the format used in the VR experience # Cross-Curricular Links **History** Encourage students to research the origins of the following constellations: Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Gemini, Cassiopeia and Cygnus. Students should write a short explanation of each name’s meaning and the myth or cultural story behind it. **Art and Design** Ask students to create an art piece inspired by the night sky, using a selected artistic style or movement. Suggestions include: Pop Art, Surrealism, Renaissance, Fine Art or a style of their choice. # Teacher Resources ## Download the Teacher Notes Below [](https://avnfs.com/GNydSNXBOdH8u15tH_iZ_-FVDsfSvzBjECk7BfDXfPs?size=3074647&type=application%2Fpdf&name=Stargazing+-+Northern+Hemisphere+Teacher+Notes+-+Teacher+Version+1.pdf) ## Download the Student Notes Below [](https://avnfs.com/TGY9cKV-3oqJPAo3qBTpxNKUknDV75NVRZ0dnTOobhs?size=2753526&type=application%2Fpdf&name=Stargazing+-+Northern+Hemisphere+Teacher+Notes+-+Student+Version+1.pdf)