Pinhole Planetarium



Category Activities
Badge Skies
Time to allocate (mins) 35
Outcome Basic electronics project to create a pinhole planetarium of some of the major constellations in the southern hemisphere
Resources

Plastic bowl with lid per Cub

Black spray paint 

Electrical wire (pre-solder to LED and veroboard)

3W White LED per Cub

2 AA Batteries per Cub

Veroboard

Insulation tape

Split pins

Metal paper clips 

Pin

Constellation template (attached) 

Instructions

Spray paint the bowls and lid black.

In the bowl, punch small pin holes in the shape of the constellations, using the template below.

On the lid, build the circuit as follows:

  • Tape/glue the LED withtwo wires to the centre of the lid
  • Connect the batteries together with insulation tape, facing opposite directions and touching the veroboard piece provided.  Test that current is flowing
  • Place the small veroboards connected to LED onto a strip of insulation and attach to the battery pack
  • Bend the paper clip into the shape of a switch.  Measure the distance and place the two split pins at the measured distance by pushing the legs through the lid
  • Connect the wires to the split pins
  • Paper clip acts as the switch

  • Attach battery pack to side of the lid and tape in place

  • Place the bowl back on the lid.  Use the paper clip to switch on and off


Entry written by Sharon Venn of 1st Randburg

Documents

Constellations constellations.png
Instructions with photos Pinhole_Planetarium.docx