Create Your Own Constellation Viewer” with Anyone4Science

Donabate Library, 21 March, 12:00pm-12:45pm – open to ages 8-12 – Contact the library

A planisphere is a simple, handheld star chart that shows you which stars and constellations are visible at any date and time from a specific latitude (Ireland has its own versions).

How it works

• It’s made of two rotating discs.

• You turn the wheel so the date lines up with the current time.

• The oval window reveals the exact night sky for that moment.

• Hold it over your head, matching the directions (N, S, E, W), and what you see on the chart matches the real sky.

Why people love planispheres

• 🌟 No batteries, no signal — perfect under dark skies

• 🧭 Teaches sky orientation (east/west, seasons, time)

• 🧠 Great for learning constellation names and patterns

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Ideal for children, beginners, and public events