Interactive Zodiac - Physics Demonstrations - Interactive Zodiac | Physics Undergraduate Labs

If using a lamp to represent the Sun, ensure it is stable and won't tip over when students walk around it. A floor lamp with a wide base works well. Avoid halogen lamps that become extremely hot.

Purpose

Students form a living model of the solar system to discover why zodiac constellations are only visible in certain seasons and how Earth's axial tilt produces seasons. Directly confronts the misconception that your zodiac sign constellation is visible on your birthday.

Handwritten paper placards laid out on a black background: 12 zodiac constellation names, 4 season labels, and Earth and Sun signs

Placards arranged concentrically on a black surface: zodiac names in an outer oval, season labels in a middle ring, with a decorative sphere (Sun) and small globe (Earth) at center

Figure 1: Complete set of placards: twelve zodiac constellations, four season labels, and Sun/Earth signs.

Figure 2: Demonstration layout showing spatial relationships: zodiac constellations around the outside, seasons in the middle, Sun and Earth at center.

125 W Frosted Incandescent Bulb

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Safety Warnings

Warning: Lamp Selection

Purpose