How to Make a Paper Planetarium

Create a planetarium to study constellations.

Planetariums feature huge, domed structures with pinholes of light shining through a sphere at their centers. With a few mechanism adjustments, an astronomer can turn the sphere so the pinholes, which form constellations, light up the dome just as they would in the sky. Whether your child loves astronomy or you want your home-schooled child to experience this phenomenon, a paper planetarium can be a valuable educational tool. Create one at home so your child can see the stars no matter the weather.

Things You'll Need

• White paper balloon lantern
• Newspapers
• Black spray paint
• Constellation chart
• Chalk
• Embroidery needle
• Camping lantern

Instructions

1. Place a white paper balloon lantern, available at party stores, on a layer of newspapers. Spray paint the lantern black and let the paint dry overnight.

2. Examine your constellation chart, available from a textbook or online. Choose a handful of main constellations to show in your planetarium. Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Orion, Virgo and Draco are just a few you might choose.

3. Use your chart to determine where the constellations would be in the sky in the current season. For instance, if one of your constellations is low in the sky during spring, draw that constellation in chalk on the lower part of your spray-painted lantern. Make dots for each star.

4. Pierce the lantern at each chalk dot with a large embroidery needle. Work slowly so you don't tear the paper more than necessary and get cracks in your "sky."

5. Set the lantern down over a lit camping lantern and turn out the lights in a curtained room. The light should shine through the pinholes and cast constellations on the ceiling and walls.

References

• Middle School Science: Shoe Box Planetarium Project
• Education: Make a Bedroom Planetarium
• NASA Space Place: Make a Star Finder