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NUMBER
O.1.
TITLE: Celestial Roadmaps
Observing Assigment
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OBJECTIVE:
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To become familiar with the night
sky by actually observing with one’s eyes
Students
will either:
·
Become familiar with some basic constellations and stars
·
Plan and make telescopic observations of several different
types of objects (e.g. planets, galaxies, globular and open clusters, double
stars, nebulae).
·
Observations will be done in the course of one evening.
Or:
·
Make naked-eye observations
by locating several constellations and stars by observing the night sky with
the aid of student generated star charts (via TheSky).
·
Track and measure the altitude and azimuth of the moon over
the course of one evening and over two different evenings.
·
Compare the difference between the brightest and faintest
stars that can be seen in their local sky.
DESCRIPTION:
In any astronomy class, one
should have an opportunity to view the nighttime sky. A carefully planned
observing session will make the experience more enjoyable. Both telescopic and
non-telescopic observations can give one an appreciation of the night sky. In
this lab each student will either do a night of telescopic
observations or two nights of visual observations and
measurements.
Before going out to look at the sky,
each student will prepare an observing list and star charts appropriate to the
observing session. This should include a variety of celestial objects,
including stars, constellations and any visible solar system objects.
Telescopic observers will also include nebulae, galaxies and star clusters on
their list.
PROCEDURE
(Telescopic Observations):
1.
In Class Activity
·
Using the Observing
List handed out in class, select at least one object of each major type
(planet, globular cluster, open cluster, double star, nebula). Make sure the
object is in a good viewing position (well above the horizon).
·
Additionally,
select at least 5 bright stars and 5 constellations as naked eye targets.
·
Using TheSky,
print star charts for the planned observing date/time specified by the
instructor. These charts should include the selected objects and are suitable
for locating the objects.
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In the laboratory
class on the evening scheduled for observing with telescopes, the instructor
will review the Meade telescope set-up/takedown procedure as shown in the
Bluebook and how to operate the controller prior to leaving for the observing
site.
2.
Observing Session
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Set up the Meade telescopes.
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After confirming the Tel-Rad alignment, Auto Align the
telescope.
·
Locate the deep sky objects with the telescope using the
automated GOTO feature.
·
Sketch at least one object in the Bluebook and record the
corresponding information.
·
Locate and identify to the instructor the selected
constellations and bright stars.
·
Take down and store the telescopes.
3.
Observing Report (in Bluebook)
·
Complete the Bluebook page with observing information and
sketch.
·
Check and record date of the objects seen in the appropriate
places in the F section of your Bluebook.
PROCEDURE
(non-Telescopic Observations):
4.
In Class Activity
·
Using the
Observing List handed out in class, select at least 4 bright stars and 4
constellations and the Moon as naked eye targets.
·
Using TheSky,
print star charts for the planned observing date/time specified by the
instructor. These charts should include the selected objects and are suitable
for locating the objects.
5.
First Observing Session
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Make sure one
observes in a relatively dark site with no bright lights shining close by. Give
your eyes 10-15 minutes to adapt to the night sky.
·
Mark all stars
visible in the four constellations selected on the star chart
·
For a selected
constellation, highlight the dimmest and brightest star visible
to the naked eye in the constellation.
·
Measure the altitude
and azimuth of the moon using “hand measurements” (as in Lab 1-A) –
record the date and time of measurement.
·
Repeat the
measurement of the moon’s altitude and azimuth two hours later.
6.
Second Student Observing Session – 2 days to one week
later
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Measure and
record the altitude and azimuth of the moon using “hand measurements” (from Lab
1-A) at approximately the same time of day as the first measurement of the
First Observing Session
7.
Observing Report (in Bluebook)
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Using TheSky
identify and determine the apparent magnitude of the dimmest and brightest
stars identified in the First Observing Session
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Using TheSky,
determine the actual altitude and azimuth for moon on the date/time measured
and compare to your measured data.
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Answer the
questions:
o Note which star is the dimmest you can see and loo
o How many degrees in altitude and azimuth did the moon
move in 2 hrs?
o How many degrees in altitude and azimuth did the moon
move between the observations done at the same time at night over 2 different
nights (2 days to one week apart).
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Include star
charts with highlighted stars in your Bluebook
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