Sky identification
A course for anyone who has never looked closely at the sky: from zero to recognising constellations, asterisms, clusters, nebulae and planets. Follow it in order, at your own pace. Each part has an activity to do outside and a quiz to check what you learned.
Negative latitude = southern hemisphere (Brazil); positive = northern. If you live near the equator, you can read both versions. Progress is saved only in this browser.
1 How the sky works
The celestial sphere, the turning of the sky, latitude, the seasons, the cardinal points and how to measure the sky.
2 Getting ready to observe
Your eyes in the dark, light pollution, what to bring and what you can see with binoculars and a telescope.
In preparation. This module's lessons are coming soon.
3 Finding your way: asterisms and alignments
Easy-to-recognise star patterns and the lines that lead from one to another.
In preparation. This module's lessons are coming soon.
4 The sky of each season
What appears in the sky at each time of year, in the southern and northern hemispheres.
In preparation. This module's lessons are coming soon.
5 The main constellations
The easiest and most important constellations, with their myths and popular names.
In preparation. This module's lessons are coming soon.
6 Clusters and deep-sky objects
Clusters, nebulae and galaxies: how to recognise and find them.
In preparation. This module's lessons are coming soon.
7 Planets, the Moon and lights in the sky
The five naked-eye planets, the phases of the Moon, meteors and satellites.
In preparation. This module's lessons are coming soon.
8 Record, photograph and progress
Observing journal, tripod photos and the next challenges.
In preparation. This module's lessons are coming soon.
9 Quick reference and printable material
Tables, glossary and the map kit to take into the field.
In preparation. This module's lessons are coming soon.