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Astronomy experiments and science fair projects

Hands-on astronomy projects covering the moon, the sun, seasons, orbits and light in space. Each one lists the exact materials, the time and cost involved, the variables to control and a data table you can fill in — so it works as a class activity or as a full science fair entry.

18 published projects in this collection

Choosing a astronomy project

Astronomy projects often depend on the weather and the calendar, so check moon phases and sunset times before you commit to an observation schedule.

What every project includes

A research question and hypothesis, an independent and dependent variable, the variables you hold constant, a materials list with costs, numbered steps, safety guidance and a reproducibility score based on how completely the method is documented.

Projects to try

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Can you see fewer stars from a bright area than a dark one?

Count stars in a standard sky region from several locations and compare with light levels.

Intermediate
Elementary +3
1–2 weeks
$5 materials

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Does binocular or telescope magnification affect the ability to resolve close double stars?

Use binoculars and telescopes of different magnifications to test resolution on a pair of closely spaced lights at a fixed distance, then apply the findings to observing double stars.

Challenging
Middle School +2
Several days
$30 materials

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Which planets are visible from a given location over a month?

Track which planets are visible each clear night for a month, noting their position, brightness, and time of appearance.

Intermediate
Middle School +2
Longer
$5 materials

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How does the Sun's path across the sky change with the seasons?

Record sunrise and sunset compass directions and the Sun's noon altitude once per season using a shadow stick, then compare results.

Challenging
Middle School +2
Longer
$5 materials

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How accurately can a homemade sundial tell time compared to a clock?

Build a sundial and compare its shadow-based time readings to an actual clock every hour across a school day.

Beginner
Elementary +3
1 day
$6 materials

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How does light pollution affect the number of visible stars?

Count visible stars within a fixed section of sky from locations with different levels of light pollution.

Intermediate
Middle School +2
Several days
No-cost materials

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Do constellations appear to rotate around a fixed point over a night?

Photograph or sketch a constellation's position every hour through the night to observe its apparent rotation.

Intermediate
Middle School +2
1 day
No-cost materials

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How many meteors can be observed per hour during a meteor shower peak?

Count meteors visible each hour during a known meteor shower peak night and compare to predicted rates.

Intermediate
Middle School +2
1 day
No-cost materials

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Can sunspots be safely tracked using projection over several days?

Use a pinhole projector or projection telescope to safely cast an image of the Sun and trace sunspot positions over a week.

Challenging
Middle School +2
1–2 weeks
$20 materials

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Does a telescope or binoculars show more detail on the Moon?

Observe the same lunar region with different optics and count identifiable features.

Intermediate
Middle School +2
Several days
No-cost materials

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Does the Moon appear in the same position at the same time each night?

Record the Moon's position relative to a fixed landmark at the same time each night for two weeks.

Beginner
Elementary +2
1–2 weeks
No-cost materials

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Does the Sun's position change through the year?

Measure shadow length at solar noon over a term and calculate the Sun's altitude.

Intermediate
Elementary +3
Longer
$5 materials

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Does the Moon rise at the same time each night?

Log moonrise times over three weeks and test whether the delay is consistent.

Beginner
Elementary +3
Longer
No-cost materials

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Does impact speed affect the size of a crater in a sand model?

Drop marbles from different heights into a sand tray and measure the resulting craters to model meteorite impacts.

Beginner
Elementary +3
1 day
$10 materials

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Does the angle of sunlight affect the energy collected by a solar panel?

Measure the voltage output of a small solar panel positioned at different angles relative to the Sun's rays.

Intermediate
Middle School +2
1 day
$25 materials

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Does shadow length change through the day?

Measure the shadow of a fixed vertical stick every hour and model the Sun's apparent motion.

Beginner
Elementary +2
Several days
$2 materials

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Does a heavier ball make a bigger crater in flour?

Drop balls of different masses from a fixed height into a tray of flour and measure the craters.

Beginner
Elementary +3
30–60 minutes
$8 materials

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Does the Moon's phase follow a predictable cycle?

Observe and sketch the Moon nightly, then measure the illuminated fraction over a month.

Beginner
Elementary +3
Longer
No-cost materials

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Preparing for a fair? Read the science fair guide or record your data in the lab.