Andromeda

Constellation model home > Andromeda

This is a 3D model of the constellation Andromeda. The resolution is 9x9x9 places, so the stellar placements are to the closest XYZ point in the 9x9x9 volume. Depth is relative to the star’s actual distance relative to one another. Relative to the star placements, the observer (Earth) would be outside of the model somewhere near x: 5, y: 5, z: -1. For best viewing hold the model at arm’s length to minimize distortion due to parallax. The model space is 9" x 9" x 9" on a 12" x 12" base, and is built from cardboard and bamboo skewers and some cord.

9x9x9 Constellation Cube — Andromeda: Photo A is a view looking at the model from approx. arm’s length. B and C showing the constellation figure mapped against the photo.

This would make a fun Science Fair project for schools. The materials are cardboard, Elmer’s glue, some card to lash the bottom plates together, and bamboo skewers. I painted everything black but you could come up with any color scheme if you wanted. Extra Credit! Figure out a way to attach LED’s to the chips and turn off the lights and you would have a very star-like view!

For comparison, here is an actual star chart of Andromeda on wiki:

By IAU and Sky & Telescope magazine (Roger Sinnott & Rick Fienberg) — GIF imagedownload pageabout, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15406059

Here are the placements (horiz: X, vert: Y, depth: Z):

α — 921 β — 442 γ — 174 δ — 722 μ — 552 π — 783 υ — 361 φ — 589 51–392

Stereoscopic view — if you can merge the two images by looking ‘through’ the page while focusing up close, you can view the model in a perceived 3D way.

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