Cool Tools: Julmarknad!

Hi everyone, Nancy here.

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of representing the Museum at the annual North Carolina Scandinavian Christmas Fair or "Julmarknad" which means Christmas Fair in Sweden. One of our beloved staff members here is very actively involved in the event through SWEA, the Swedish Women's Educational Association. Each December 13, many people celebrate the feast day of Saint Lucia in homes throughout Sweden and other Nordic countries. Known as the festival of light, Lucia Day marks the return of daylight and longer days to Scandinavians and officially ushers in the Christmas season.

I spent the day talking with folks about the night sky and creating "constellation cans" with them. We explored star maps and guides and used them as inspiration to design the cans so we could "see the stars" inside. This is a great activity to do at home with your budding astronomer:

You can use an empty oatmeal box (save the lid), some black construction paper, a pushpin, scissors, transparent tape and some star stickers to decorate the box. First, wrap the outside of the box with black paper and tape down. Trim any excess paper. Use the star stickers (we like the small metallic ones teachers usually use as reward stickers;you can find them at most office supply stores) Next, remove the lid of the box. Place another sheet of black paper over the opening of the box and lay flat. You won't need a full sheet, just enough to cover the opening with about an inch and a half leeway all the way around. Next, take the lid and push down over the paper until the lid locks in place. Now you are ready for your "constellations". Take the pushpin and poke holes through the lid/black paper. You can recreate a constellation like the Big Dipper or Orion or just create your own. When you're finished, turn the box over, take your scissors (adults should do this part to help keep kids safe) and use one blade to saw out the entire bottom of the oatmeal box.

Your constellation can is ready! Just hold up, aim the lid towards a light source above you, look through the bottom and you will see the stars!

Here are some good resources on the night sky: Google Sky, NASA and Astronomy for Beginners

The SERC also has a lot of great resources that you can check out on star gazing.

Stay tuned and stay curious,


-Nancy