Big Dipper
Seven bright stars forming a ladle shape, easy to spot in northern skies.
Viewing cue: Follow the two outer bowl stars upward to find Polaris.
Guides
Constellation guides for calm, confident skywatching
Start with a few easy anchor patterns, then use nearby bright stars as stepping stones. These quick cards are designed for beginners and short evening observations.
Orion
A bold winter constellation with a straight three-star belt at its center.
Viewing cue: Find the belt first, then trace the shoulders and knees around it.
Cassiopeia
A clear W-shaped pattern opposite the Big Dipper across the pole.
Viewing cue: Look high in autumn evenings for the tilted “W” of five stars.
Cygnus (Northern Cross)
A cross-shaped summer figure running through the bright Milky Way band.
Viewing cue: Start at bright Deneb, then follow the long spine downward.
Scorpius
A curved summer constellation with a bright reddish heart star, Antares.
Viewing cue: Trace the hooked tail low in the southern evening sky.
Leo
A spring constellation marked by a backward question mark called the Sickle.
Viewing cue: Find Regulus at the base of the Sickle, then extend to the hindquarters.
Want to practice these patterns with others? See upcoming meetups for shared skywatching sessions.