Observe the Night Sky

Astro Origami

Did you know that Michigan is home to six protected Dark Sky Preserves? Additionally, Michigan is home to Headlands International Dark Sky Park and Dr. T.K. Lawless Park, which are the only internationally designated park preserves in the state. While each location provides the very best opportunity for you to truly enjoy the Milky Way, aurora borealis and more - you do not need to travel to these places to Observe the Night Sky. You can begin your adventure at home by simply keeping a few viewing tips in mind.

Activities:

Resources:

The awesome night sky by Kay Barnham

In this gentle science series, World of Wonder (4 titles), the youngest readers are given the fundamental ideas and language needed to grapple with our world's natural wonders. Each title begins with activity suggestions before a series of colorful, full-bleed spreads break the topics down into digestible tidbits--one short paragraph per page--incrementally building readers' understanding of the subject. The Awesome Night Sky tackles astronomy, touching on aspects that will already be somewhat familiar to children, like the sun, moon, other celestial bodies, and the scientific tools human used to study it all. Vocabulary terms are underlined in the text and collected in a glossary. While photography is absent, Frost's inviting illustrations give the perfect context for each lesson, and two omnipresent white children anchor the education in friendly companionship. Effective in balancing simplicity with the right selection of details, these make excellent science primers for early readers.

Explore the star-studded cosmos with this fully updated, user-friendly skywatcher's guide, filled with charts, graphics, photographs, and expert tips for viewing -- and understanding -- the wonders of space. Stargazing's too much fun to leave to astronomers. In these inviting pages, "Night Sky Guy" Andrew Fazekas takes an expert but easygoing approach that will delight would-be astronomers of all levels. Essential information, organized logically, brings the solar system, stars, and planets to life in your own backyard. Hands-on tips and techniques for observing with the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope help make the most out of sightings and astronomical phenomena such as eclipses and meteor showers. Revised to make skywatching even easier for the whole family, this indispensable guide shines light on the night sky -- truly one of the greatest shows on Earth!

In 1968, NASA sent three men farther and faster than anyone had gone before. This is the story of how Astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and Bill Anders changed history on the flight of Apollo 8. "This is a film that will revive all your childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut." - Jennie Kermode

 

Head back to the 62 Days of Summer for more ways to participate in the summer program!