Read the Night Sky

Outdoors & NatureBeginnerOutdoor

90 minutes

5 steps

·Beginner

After 90 min: Ability to identify major constellations, planets, and navigate using stars

What you need

star-chartbinoculars-or-telescopedark-locationnotebook

The 90-Minute Plan

Learn Major Constellations0–15 min

Study Big Dipper, Little Dipper, Orion, Cassiopeia, and Polaris. Learn to locate the North Star using the Big Dipper's pointer stars

Understand Celestial Coordinates15–35 min

Learn how constellations move with the seasons. Understand brightness (magnitude) and how planets differ from stars

Practice Finding Constellations35–55 min

On a clear night, locate and trace 5 major constellations. Use a red flashlight to preserve night vision. Draw them in your notebook

Identify Planets and Bright Stars55–75 min

Learn Sirius, Betelgeuse, and Rigel. Identify planets like Venus, Jupiter, and Mars by their positions and brightness variations

Use Stars for Navigation75–90 min

Practice finding directions using star patterns. Use Polaris to find true north. Create a personal star-mapping journal

Pro Tip

Find the darkest location possible, away from city lights. Give your eyes 20 minutes to adjust to darkness

90 min·5 steps

After 90 min: You'll recognize major constellations and understand celestial mechanics.

7,900

see the plan

90 min·5 steps

After 90 min: You'll have the skills to camp safely and comfortably, building confidence in nature.

8,200

see the plan

90 min·5 steps

After 90 min: You'll start fires in wet conditions and maintain them for warmth and cooking.

7,800

see the plan

90 min·5 steps

After 90 min: You'll recognize local birds and appreciate their ecological roles and behaviors.

7,600

see the plan