“Mom, why do stars twinkle?” Or, “Where did the moon go?” Or, “Is Mars further away from Pluto?” How about, “How can I get to Venus? Are there aliens there?” Okay, we don’t have all the answers but we do have some ideas to get you started. Checking out the dreamy night sky is as easy as grabbing a flashlight, finding a spot on the grass and looking up. Here are some star gazing tips, including activities, to make your exploration a success.

Star Facts

What is a star?
A star is a big ball of gas that changes color and size over billions of years. On any given night, up to two thousand stars light up the sky – each one unique in shape and form. You can see stars best on a clear night in a dark spot, away from bright lights.

You can also see a star during the day. The sun is the brightest and biggest star in our universe—and probably the one that kids are most familiar with. This five-billion-year-old star is easy to spot, which makes it a great place to begin when teaching your kids about star gazing. If you’re an early riser, watch the sun rise in the east. The whole process takes about a half hour and engages your child with cool colors and a first look at the gradual transformation from night to day. If you’re more of a night owl, the sun sets in the west so you and your child can watch the reverse process together when the sun goes down.