1. Identifying some stars in the northern and southern skies
Beginner
Amateur Astronomy
Identifying some stars in the northern and southern skies

2. Objectives
Identify Orion and use it to identify a few other bright stars.
Identify the Big Dipper (not a constellation, but an asterism) and use it to identify a few other stars.
Point out these stars to friends and family.

3. Southern horizon The most easily recognized constellation is Orion
Use it to find Betelgeuse and Rigel (Orion), Sirius (Canis Major), Procyon (Canis Minor), Pollux and Castor (Gemini), Capella (Auriga), Aldebaran (Taurus), Pleides (Taurus)

5. Northern horizon
The Big Dipper (in Ursa Major) is the most easily recognized asterism (it’s not a constellation!)
Use it to find The Little Dipper (Ursa Minor), Polaris (Ursa Minor), Cassiopeia, Regulus (Leo), Castor and Pollux (Gemini).