The star finder is described in the Sky Lab.  READ THE LAB!  The star finder  is essentially a 2 dimensional  representation of our sky or the celestial sphere.   Our star finder shows the sky  that can be seen from a latitude of 40° N which is our latitude in NYC.

Some things to note! 

• The cardinal points printed on the sky finder are reversed from a map since in essence we hold the star finder overhead to view the sky .  Also note:  When we are standing we can only see the sky up to the zenith which is essentially the middle of the opening of the star finder.

* When  looking  at the sky in a given direction, say south, hold the star finder so that the given direction in this case south  is at your belt buckle.  Then the sky that you see looking down at the star finder is the same sky that you see when you look up  for a given time and date.

• To set the time and date choose the date of interest, say March 1st, then line
up the desired time, e.g. 9 p.m.  In the opening you will see the sky as it looks from latitude 40° N at
9 p.m. on March 1st. 

• The sky is represented by a disc which rotates around a brass tack.  Our sky rotates around the North Star, Polaris, and so the tack represents ___________.

• The portion of the sky  that can be seen at any  given time is the portion that is visible
   through the opening. 
                                  - the edge of the opening represents our horizon

• Note: Planet  positions are given  in the table on the back of the star finder.