Let's make the constellation cards

In the template I give you sixteen constellation cards ready to go.

If you printed on a thicker paper like card stock you can use these cards directly. Just cut all sixteen out.

If you printed on regular paper you can still use them directly but when they are in the projection box they do leak light which will minimize the effectiveness of your projector.

Use a push-pin, a tack, a needle or some other sharp pointed object to pierce the stars. If you are transferring the pattern to index cards then place the index card under the template while doing this.

You can make bigger holes for the bigger stars. This will give a nice look to the projected constellation.

The stars are pierced. Label the card with the constellation name.

Now you can place the card on the projector. But note, the card is one way. It can be put on backwards! This would project the constellation backwards on the wall. Be sure to place the card onto the projector with the label you wrote facing the flashlight.

Now let's place the flashlight

Your instinct will be to place the flashlight so the beam shines directly on the constellation card. But this doesn't work. It causes diffraction which will distort the stars.

The way it works best is to point the flashlight a little bit down so the beam of light bounces off the aluminum foil on the bottom of the projecter then at the constellation card.

This next picture shows the right way. See how the light is much more diffuse on the constellation card? This will work well. You can do this in a darkened room so you can see the actual stars being projected on a wall. This way you can tinker with it and get a feel for how it works best.