Discover: Mapping the Stars

When you first look at the night sky, you see random clusters of stars. Perhaps you are able to identify some of the more common constellations such as the Big Dipper, but seeing the patterns might be difficult if you do not know what to look for or where to look. Begin with looking for a very important star in the night sky.


For many centuries, people in the northern hemisphere relied on the North Star to find their way when far from shore and familiar territory. Polaris (the other name for the North Star) is not one of the brightest stars in the night sky, so it can be difficult to find.

Fortunately, the Big Dipper can help. The Big Dipper is a bright constellation in the northern sky and is quite visible for us living in Canada. However, it is not always in the same place.

The Big Dipper is actually part of a larger constellation called Ursa Major (The Big Bear). Can you find the Big Dipper in the bear?


If you can recognize and identify the relationships among these 14 stars, you will always be able to find the North Star. Fortunately, they are some of the brightest stars in the night sky.

Another useful tool for identifying constellations in the night sky is a planisphere or star wheel.

It is like a map of the night sky showing which constellations are visible from where you live during the various seasons.

You will be making your own star wheel to help you find the constellations visible in the Northern Hemisphere.


  Notebook: How can I identify constellations in the night sky?

  1. Click here to download this activity. 
  2. Watch this ADLC Digital Lesson to learn how to build and use a Star Wheel for the activity.

  3. Complete the activity and save it to your Sky Science Notebook.

    NOTE:  You are no longer able to test a digital version of your Star Wheel online (#8) as the website has changed.  Please visit https://neave.com/planetarium/ ; and click on "Set to my location' to see the constellations in the sky above you, regardless of the time of day.