Marshmallow Constellations

BY LOREENA NIEUWENHOUT

Alberta is home to several Dark Sky Preserves, which are areas where there is less human-made light that shines up into the night sky. These areas are excellent spots to go stargazing! With this activity you’ll get to go out to a dark area, look at some constellations, and then recreate them at home using marshmallows and toothpicks! 

You’ll need:

• A stargazing app or printable star finder
• Paper and pencil
• Mini marshmallows
• Toothpicks
• A dark place outdoors

Cygnus constellation. STEPH WEIZENBACH

What To Do:

1. Download a free stargazing app such as Night Sky or Sky Guide. You can also go to the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada’s website and get a free download for a printable star finder here: rasc.ca/star-finder.
2. Pick a cloudless night to go to a dark place, away from bright city lights, to look at the stars. Alberta’s Dark Sky Preserves are an excellent choice if there is one near you. Visit bit.ly/ab-dark-sky to find your closest Dark Sky Preserve.
3. Spend some time comparing what you see in the night sky with the named constellations on your app or star finder. 
4. Sketch your favourite constellations using your pencil and paper. You’ll use this drawing for your constellation recreation!
5. When you go home, recreate your favourite constellations, using the marshmallows as stars. Connect the “stars” using the toothpicks. If some stars are close together, have an adult cut the toothpicks into shorter lengths to connect them. When you’re all done, you can take out the toothpicks and enjoy your marshmallow stars in some hot chocolate —like a swirling night sky in a cup!