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That said, the changes of latitude are small enough that the map would also be helpful to stargazers anywhere in the continental US. This star map shows the New Jersey sky around 10:00 pm on October 1, and 8:00 pm on October 31. So a map that reflects the stars’ position at 10:00 pm on the first day of the month will reflect their position at 8:00 pm at the end of that month. Thanks to the time zones, anyone at 40 degrees north-from Columbus, Ohio to Beijing, China-would see the same stars that we do in Jersey City, at the same time of night.Īs Earth orbits the sun, the stars rise and set four minutes earlier each night. Northern New Jersey, where Liberty Science Center is located, is 40 degrees north of the equator. Latitude is how far we are north or south of the equator. The key factor determining which stars we can see on a certain night is our latitude. Repeat the sequence facing SOUTH, WEST, and EAST.How many can you spot? Do they match the map? Using Polaris on your map as a reference point, scan to the other stars, planets, and constellations depicted on the chart.From where you stand, find bright Polaris, also known as the North Star.Directions on the map Hands-on Usage of Star Charts. Hold the sky map with NORTH at the bottom. What Does a Star Chart Look Like Night Sky Coordinates Reading Your Star Chart.Using your compass to get your bearings, face north.Find a spot outdoors with as little artificial light as possible.Sky map ( click here to view and print out the sky map for October 2021).Objective: In this activity, you'll step outside and find constellations and planets in the night sky.
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