Star light, star bright…. first star, I see tonight…

It’s the weekend! Get out in your backyard and have a Star Party!

Children of all ages love the anticipation of staying up until dark to watch the stars come out. It’s a magical experience, not soon forgotten.

• On a clear dark night, take your kids outside and watch the stars! For creative ideas to host your own Star Party, read our Star Light, Star Bright article. Don’t forget your insect repellant!
• While watching the stars, see if you can spot the ISS (International Space Station). You can go online and see the flight pattern of the ISS, and see when it will be passing overhead! Visit Heavens Above and enter your location.
• Watch for bright, short bursts of light in the sky. If you are lucky enough to see these bursts, they are probably Iridium flares! The website link above includes schedules of these particular satellites and when you are most likely to see their bright reflections. They really are spectacular to see!
• Count satellites and meteors. See who can spot the most during an evening of star gazing.
• Locate popular constellations in the sky. A Glow-in-the-Dark Starfinder will help. Choose your favorite constellation and read the myths surrounding it.
• Make up your own constellations. Draw them, name them, and write your own myths about them.
• Observe the constellations indoors with our Constellation Viewer. Just download our instructions to see how you can build this viewer. Includes constellation templates.
• Remember folding Fortune Teller (or Cootie Catcher) games as a kid? Here is a link to a Star Finder game from NASA.
• To learn more about the night sky, visit Seeing in the Dark, a PBS Program. This website includes lots of educational activities for families!

You May Also Like:

Sky Challenger – Play games while you learn about the constellations in the night sky! Fun for kids of all ages.

The Constellations – Stars and Stories – Read about the stories behind the constellations. A perfect read-aloud for night sky viewing.

Jar of Stars – Light up your room or party tables with these glow-in-the-dark stars. Make sure to see our ideas for other uses – so many possibilities!

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