Introduction: DIY Planetarium

Imagine yourself, staying up all night to see the stars through your brand-new telescope. Looking at the moon with awe, you developed a love for the night sky, a place which (living in Kansas) was beautifully clear to you. However, you realize you can't stay up every night for the stars or break your bedtime for the moon. This was me when I was younger, and this was a problem I and my friends were determined to solve, so together with our gifted teacher we came up with our homemade planetarium. With these easy steps, you too can have your own planetarium.

Supplies

-2 Box Fans

-Duct Tape

-1-2 Paperclips

-20'x50' Plastic sheeting

-2 large trash bags

-At least 2 people

-Paper

-Marker

-Flashlight

Step 1: Prepare Your Area

You need a large flat, open space for this project. Protected from the weather.

Step 2: Black Plastic Sheeting

  1. Spread out the black plastic sheet
  2. Fold the sheet in half with all edges aligned.
  3. Use duct tape to seal the edges, leave 18 inches untaped to allow for entry to the planetarium.

Step 3: THERE WILL BE AIR!

  1. In the opposite corner of the entrance, cut two circular holes with a diameter of 18 inches.
  2. Cut the ends off of the two trash bags. This will make a tube.
  3. Use duct tape to seal the edges of one end of the trash bag tube around one of the cut holes. Repeat with the other bag and the other hole.
  4. Use duct tape to seal the other end of each trash bag around the fan.

Step 4: Plan for Star Patterns

In order to have constellations in the planetarium, a premade plan will help while working in the dark.

  1. Use a marker to draw out the map of the constellation. We will be using this as a guide for poking the holes in the planetarium.

Step 5: Inflate!

  1. Plug in fans and inflate the plastic sheeting. The tubes must be completely straight to allow air to flow into the newly made planetarium.
  2. You will need at least 2 people, one to poke the holes for stars and one to hold the entrance closed.
  3. Once inside and the entrance is held shut it will begin to inflate more.

Step 6: Let There Be Light!

  1. Using the constellation guide made in step 4, use a paperclip to poke holes in the ceiling of the inflated plastic sheeting.
  2. Repeat this step for as many constellations, or stars, as desired.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Now you have your own planetarium to star gaze and imagine the wonders of the universe!