Make a star projector
This is a fun project to help you become familiar with some of the major constellations you may see in the night sky.
Read more about the constellations and choose which ones you will project.
You will need:
- A circular glass or lid
- Pencil
- Cardboard
- A toilet roll tube
- Scissors
- A push pin
- Sticky tack
- Pen (optional)
- A torch
1. On the cardboard, draw around you glass or lid a few times to make circles.
2. Cut the circles out – each one will feature a different constellation.
3. Slightly squash one end of the toilet roll tube and about 1cm from the end cut a narrow V-shaped slit which reaches almost but not completely to the other side.
4. Slide one of the discs into the slit. You want it to sit snuggly to the bottom of the tube – cut the slit a little longer if needed.
5. With the first disc still in the slit use a pencil to lightly mark the area of the disc that’s inside the tube.
6. Remove the disc and mark the stars of your chosen constellation into the area that will sit inside the tube once the projector is reassembled.
7. Use the push pin to make each star a small hole. It’s safest to push the pin through the cardboard and into a blob of sticky tack.
8. Write the name of the constellation onto the disc (and any fun facts if you have space!)
9. Repeat steps 6-8 for each of the remaining discs choosing a different constellation for each one.
10. To operate the projector you need to shine a torch down the tube so that light can only escape via the stars/holes you have made. Tip: you may need to squeeze the tube a little to ensure no light escapes around the edge of your disc.
You will need to experiment to discover the best place to project your constellations and how far away from the wall you need to hold the projector. In our experience, they will show up best if you aim for a dark surface in a dark room.
