Andrea Lane of Youghal Library is holding two Planisphere Workshops during Irish Astronomy Week,  this workshop will be a hands-on astronomy session where participants will learn how to use a planisphere—a simple, rotating star chart—to identify stars, constellations, and planets visible in the night sky at different times of the year.

What is a planisphere?

A planisphere is a circular star map made of two discs that rotate. By setting the date and time, it shows:

• Which constellations are visible

• Where they appear in the sky (north, south, east, west)

• The seasonal movement of the stars

Many professional astronomers first became interested through simple star maps, not telescopes or apps. A planisphere will teach you how the sky works, not just what to look at. This workshop will take place on the 21st of March, is aimed at aimed at 12–17-year-olds

Planisphere workshops offer real, meaningful benefits for teenagers, particularly at a stage where curiosity, independence, and critical thinking are developing.

🌌 Practical & Educational Benefits

• Strengthens STEM skills
  Reinforces physics, geography, maths, and Earth–space science in a practical way.

• Builds scientific thinking
  Teens learn how we know where objects are in the sky, not just names from an app.

• Supports exam topics
  Links well with Junior Cycle science, Transition Year modules, and Leaving Cert physics.

• Develops spatial reasoning
  Understanding sky motion, coordinates, and orientation improves 3D thinking.

• Encourages problem-solving
  Teens must interpret data (date, time, direction) and apply it logically.

• Boosts confidence
  Mastering the night sky gives a strong sense of achievement and independence.

The event will be FREE as usual, but numbers will be limited, so advance registration is required.

Start Time: 3pm

Location:  Yougal Library

The River Gate Mall, N Main St, Youghal-Lands, Youghal, Co. Cork

Phone: 02493459

Email: youghal.library@corkcoco.ie