What is it?

Star Finders are available free of charge to IYA Partners (RASC Centres, FAAQ Clubs, University Liaisons, Science Centres, and CASCA Liaisons) who have registered events on the Events Database (see fact sheet “How to Register Your Events on the IYA Website”)

The Star Finder (also known as a planisphere) is available in English or French. It allows users to see the patterns of the stars at any date and time. It is beautiful to look at, easy to use, and contains a wealth of practical information for the novice observer. See www.rasc.ca/starfinder for details. There is also an accompanying website at www.star-finder.ca

The circular star map, with dates of the year printed around the circumference, fits into a holder with times printed on it. When the user turns the star map so that their current date and time line up, the stars that are above them will be shown. The horizons are labelled (Northern, Eastern, etc) so that it can be rotated to the right direction. The Star Finders show the sky at 45 degrees latitude, and are accurate for most of Canada’s population. Users will be able to identify constellations, stars, and planets (tables of planets are included on the website), for years to come.

The Star Finders will provide years of educational entertainment to all who receive them. They were created by a team of volunteers lead by Ron Macnaughton of the RASC Toronto Centre.

Who is it for?

This design is based on one that has been used for years in Grade 9 curricula, using a similar format from the National Research Council (http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/education/astronomy/constellations/planisphere.html). It is appropriate and interesting to people of all age levels, although young children will require adult assistance.

How do I use it?

Hand out Star Finders at star parties — they will be entertaining for people to look at and talk about while they are in line for telescopes. Star Finders can also be used in school visits, as long as the students are old enough to remember the instructions later when it’s dark and they’re outside. They are also a great item to give away at any event — lectures, image displays, concerts, fairs — as long as there is an opportunity to explain their use.

How do I order Star Finders?

Star Finders are available free of charge to IYA Partners (RASC Centres, FAAQ Clubs, University Liaisons, Science Centres, and CASCA Liaisons) who have registered events on the Events Database (see fact sheet “How to Register Your Events on the IYA Website”)

1. If you are an FAAQ club or Quebec organization, please refer to the FAAQ version of this Fact Sheet, which contains information specific to Québec.
2. Register your event/s on the website www.astronomy2009.ca (Need help? See Fact Sheet: How to Register Your Events on the IYA Website)
3. After registering your event/s, send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it requesting Star Finders, with your full mailing address. Include the name/s and date/s of your event/s so that we can cross reference. If you have more than 5 events registered, simply tell us how many there are and the location.
   We are still working out the logistical details on how to order Star Finders subsequent to the first shipment — we will revise this document when these details are known.
4. After your event, have your designated person go back to the website and report the numbers of people who attended.

Reporting attendance is MANDATORY for 2 reasons:

• Keeping track of numbers will help us to measure the success of IYA and to report to funders. Our ability to do so accurately will attract funders.
• You will not be able to order new materials until you have reported on your registered events.