Do you like to take trips? Everyone likes to see what's beyond the curve in the road, over the top of the hill, or like Christopher Columbus, over the next horizon. Although you can't really visit them, now that you know about all these interesting planets, moons, and galaxies, wouldn't it be fun to take a closer look at them? Many cities have observatories that magnify what you can see with your eyes or binoculars and they welcome visitors. Maybe you have a smaller version of one of them in your hometown. If you can't do either of these things, look at a calendar, one that shows the full and little crescent moons. See when the moon will be dark; it's also called the new moon, because this is the best time to look at the stars and the galaxies. Make sure there are few clouds. Try to find a place where there aren't any streetlights. Then gather up some of these things you may want for your own sky-watching kit:

• A blanket, so that you can sit or lie down

• A set of binoculars, but try using only your eyes at first

• A compass to help you to find the North Star

• A pen and paper, so you can write down the stars you find

• Some snacks

See if you can borrow a star map from a grownup, so that you know where to begin to look for the stars. If you use a flashlight, the bright light may make it hard for you to see the stars after you turn it off, so be sure to cover the lens with red plastic wrap. Invite some friends and your family to go along, so they can enjoy the fun!

Try This

Going for a Spin

Ask an adult to tie a knot in a string and then thread it though a tennis ball. In an open area, hold on to the string and start spinning around; because of centrifugal force, the ball seems to pull more, the faster that you spin. When you get dizzy and stop, gravity will make the ball fall to the ground and probably you will, too.