On the night of a new Moon, away from city lights, children can find the Milky Way in the sky. Share this special viewing event with children and their families.

The Milky Way appears as a dim band of light arching across the sky. Using a sky chart or planisphere (a good one is David H. Levy’s Guide to the Stars) you can locate the Milky Way in your viewing area for a particular night.

After the Milky Way has been located, look at it through binoculars or a telescope. Individual stars should be distinguishable. For help in identifying stars in your location, go to Sky and Telescope to access an interactive sky chart with a customized view of your local sky. Share what you discover!

Last updated
January 9, 2007

Who?
Ages 5 and up and their families

How Long?
30 minutes or more

What's Needed?

• Planisphere or sky chart
• Clear, dark viewing sky
•Binoculars or a telescope
•Flashlight
• Mosquito repellent (optional)
• Snacks (optional)

Connections to the National Science Standard(s)

Standards A&D(grades K–4): Develop explanations using observation. Stars have properties and locations that can be observed and described.

Standards A & D (grades 5–-8): Develop explanations based on observations and communicate scientific explanations. Most objects in the Solar System are in regular and predictable motion.