Read Time: Read the approximate Central Standard time off the scale on the outer dial revealed by the notched area of the inner dial.

Look especially for the location of the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia, but any of the constellations identified on the star clock will work.

Align the Star Chart: Without moving the orientation of the outer dial or the clock as a whole, rotate the inner dial until the star chart on its face corresponds with the location of the stars in the sky.

Then when you raise the star clock up vertically you can use your index finger to show you when to stop.) (Hint: Point the index finger of the hand not holding the star clock horizontally toward Polaris. Of course, the center of the star clock is not transparent, so getting a consistent result may take a little practice!

Keeping your gaze steady, raise the star clock until your line of sight to Polaris would line up with, or pass through, the center of star clock.

Tilt the clock face so that it is perpendicular to your line of sight that is, it should be tilted and not vertical.

Close one eye, and gaze above the star clock directly at Polaris.

Hold the star clock up at arms length, keeping today's date at the top.

Find the Date: Locate today's date on the outer dial and hold it at the top with your thumb.

Find Polaris (the North Star) in Ursa Minor (the Little Bear) the Big Dipper (in Ursa Major, the Big Bear), and Cassiopeia, which are illustrated on the inner dial.

Go outdoors at night with a red flashlight and face north.

indicators under the clock face hours do not appear within the notch at every point around the circle.

Try out your star clock! You may need to cut the notch in your small circle slightly deeper if the a.m./p.m.

If you use a thumbtack, an eraser (e.g., a small cylindrical one removed from a pencil) makes a good fastener on the back side.

If you use a staple or piece of thread, secure each end by taping it down on the front and back sides.

Possible fasteners include a staple, a piece of thread, a paper brad or rivet, or a thumbtack any arrangement that allows the dials to rotate freely around their centers without tearing. Polaris is displaced about a degree away from the center. The center of the outer dial is clearly marked, but note that the center of the inner dial (where the grid lines converge) does not exactly coincide with the location of Polaris, the North Star.

Fasten the two dials together at their centers.Be sure to cut out its little notch also (in order to reveal the time of night written on the outer dial).Ĭlick here to view a printable Inner Dial.

Print and cut out the inner dial, which displays a circumpolar star chart.Print and cut out the outer dial, which indicates dates of the year.Ĭlick here to view a printable Outer Dial.

Nice clock with sky and stars