Step by step
Mix the flour and salt together then slowly add the water while mixing with a wooden spoon. Aim for a texture that is stiff enough to hold its shape without being too dry, otherwise it could break
Using your reference photos begin to mould the dough into the correct overall shape. We found it best to make the model in two halves split lengthways down the middle. Make sure you check multiple photos from different angles to get the shape right.
Set the oven to its lowest temperature and bake the model pieces on parchment paper with their flat sides face down; this will take several hours. The small pieces of rubble can air dry to be added on in the last step.
Gently knead the dough for a couple of minutes until it’s smooth and pliable. If it’s too wet add a bit more flour, if it’s too dry add a bit more water, the important thing is that it is firm but pliable.
Create the details such as craters and markings using whatever modelling tools you have, such as pens and pencils. Also make lots of small rocks using any leftover dough – these can be glued on at the end to create a good effect.
Once cooled, glue the two halves together and sand any rough edges with sandpaper or an emery board. Stick the rubble into the asteroid surface with PVA glue then paint it. When fully dried, seal it with a layer of PVA glue. Remember, this is not for eating!
he chances are that lately you’ve seen Jupiter and Saturn low in the southern part of the sky. Jupiter stands out as it’s so bright, while Saturn is dimmer but fairly obvious to the east (left as seen from the UK) of Jupiter. Once you’ve identified them, both look impressive.
During July, the apparent separation between them increases from 6.1° to 7.7°, but this trend is not set to continue. During the year’s latter part, both planets will appear to move closer together, heading towards an event known as the Great Conjunction. This is set to occur on 21 December when they will appear separated by 6.1 arcminutes, or 1/5th the apparent diameter of the Moon. If this sounds like a narrow conjunction, you’d be right. Both planets haven’t been seen this close since 1623, making this a special event.
Forward planning will reap great rewards. Now is the time to start imaging the pair against background stars to get results which can be presented together to show how the Great Conjunction occurs.
T▲ Historic event: the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn on 21 December 2020 is the closest since July 1623