Think about. Aug. 13, What is science?

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Think about. Aug. 13, What is science?"

Transcription

1 Think about Aug. 13, 2018 What is science?

2 Science Science is both a body of knowledge and a process for building that body of knowledge. This involves inquiry, that is, developing explanations for why things are they way they are, based on observation and experimentation Pseudoscience Information that sound science y but has not rigorous testing and data to back it up. Often, it is driven by cultural or commercial goals. For example: astrology (horoscopes), tarot cards, palm reading fad diets, diet products, etc. magnet therapy, copper therapy, etc. Scientific Method Usually means a series of steps that a scientist follows to discover how nature works.

3 Mathematics Is a valuable tool that is used in the process of science. Since mathematics has a structure and logic, it nicely "flows" with science in the collection of data during experimentation and observation. This data can be either qualitative or quantitative. Qualitative data deals with descriptions data can be observed by not measured, i.e. colors, textures, smells, tastes, appears, beauty, etc. Quantitative data deals with numbers data can be measured, i.e. length, width, area, volume, weight, time, temperature, etc.

4 Quantitative data Some of the measurements and data we will collect and utilize in class can be linear or angular. Linear data units like; m, km, m/s, km/hr, light year each unit can be broken into smaller "chunks" with similar units. Angular data primarily measured in degrees each degree is broken into 60 minutes (of arc), and each minute is similarly broken into 60 seconds (of arc). For example, is read as "63 degrees, 45 minutes, and 12 seconds of arc"

5 Conversions When working with data/numbers, we may need to convert to more practical units. For example, the distance to the nearest start, Alpha Centauri, is about 41,311,860,480,000,000 meters or about 4.1 x We can also say it is 4.37 light years. Many of the distances we will use beyond our solar system will be measured in light years. To understand this HUGE distance, lets see how far this is. Light travels about 300,000,000 m/s. Lets convert this to m/yr, which we will call a light year (the distance, in meters, light travels in a year) x 10 8 m 1 sec

6 Equations Equations are simply mathematical relationships between various measurable quantities, i.e. variables. For example, the equation gives the gravitational pulling force that two objects exert on each other. If we let m 1 be the mass of the Earth (5.97 x kg) and r be the distance from the center of the Earth to its surface, i.e. radius (6.37 x 10 6 m), and substitute in the value for G (6.67 x m 3 /kg s 2 ), our formula simplifies to and if we let we now get our familiar formula

7 Graphs and Graphing Graphs give us a visual relationship amongst data. In March 2009, NASA launched the Kepler Space Telescope to search for Earth sized planets orbiting other stars. As star's brightness dims (a very small amount) when a planet moves in front of the star. By knowing the time of transit (move across the star), the change in brightness. NOTE: The Kepler Space Telescope has run out of fuel and is currently in "nap" mode, but the TESS (launched in April 2018) is a major upgrade and is taking over the hunt.

8 Astronomy Now, we get to the primary focus of this course, astronomy, which is simply the study of the universe beyond the Earth's atmosphere. From the nearest object, the Moon, to the farthest reaches of the universe. Tomorrow, we will look at our place in the universe.

9 Astronomical events for > August 12, 13 Perseids Meteor Shower. The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by comet Swift Tuttle, which was discovered in The Perseids are famous for producing a large number of bright meteors. The shower runs annually from July 17 to August 24. It peaks this year on the night of August 12 and the morning of August 13. The thin crescent moon will set early in the evening leaving dark skies for what should be an excellent show. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Perseus, but can appear anywhere in the sky. > September 7 Neptune at Opposition. The blue giant planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. It will be brighter than any other time of the year and will be visible all night long. This is the best time to view and photograph Neptune. Due to its extreme distance from Earth, it will only appear as a tiny blue dot in all but the most powerful telescopes. > October 8 Draconids Meteor Shower. The Draconids is a minor meteor shower producing only about 10 meteors per hour. It is produced by dust grains left behind by comet 21P Giacobini Zinner, which was first discovered in The Draconids is an unusual shower in that the best viewing is in the early evening instead of early morning like most other showers. The shower runs annually from October 6 10 and peaks this year on the the night of the 8th. This will be an excellent year to observe the Draconids because there will be no moonlight to spoil the show. Best viewing will be in the early evening from a dark location far away from city lights. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Draco, but can appear anywhere in the sky. > October 21, 22 Orionids Meteor Shower. The Orionids is an average shower producing up to 20 meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by dust grains left behind by comet Halley, which has been known and observed since ancient times. The shower runs annually from October 2 to November 7. It peaks this year on the night of October 21 and the morning of October 22. The nearly full moon will block some of the fainter meteors this year, but the Orionids tend to be fairly bright so it could still be a good show. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Orion, but can appear anywhere in the sky. > October 23 Uranus at Opposition. The blue green planet will be at its closest approach to Earth and its face will be fully illuminated by the Sun. It will be brighter than any other time of the year and will be visible all night long. This is the best time to view Uranus. Due to its distance, it will only appear as a tiny blue green dot in all but the most powerful telescopes. > November 5, 6 Taurids Meteor Shower. The Taurids is a long running minor meteor shower producing only about 5 10 meteors per hour. It is unusual in that it consists of two separate streams. The first is produced by dust grains left behind by Asteroid 2004 TG10. The second stream is produced by debris left behind by Comet 2P Encke. The shower runs annually from September 7 to December 10. It peaks this year on the the night of November 5. The thin crescent moon will set early in the evening leaving dark skies for viewing. Best viewing will be just after midnight from a dark location far away from city lights. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Taurus, but can appear anywhere in the sky. > November 17, 18 Leonids Meteor Shower. The Leonids is an average shower, producing up to 15 meteors per hour at its peak. This shower is unique in that it has a cyclonic peak about every 33 years where hundreds of meteors per hour can be seen. That last of these occurred in The Leonids is produced by dust grains left behind by comet Tempel Tuttle, which was discovered in The shower runs annually from November It peaks this year on the night of the 17th and morning of the 18th. The waxing gibbous moon will set shortly after midnight leaving fairly dark skies for what could be a good early morning show. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Leo, but can appear anywhere in the sky. > December 13, 14 Geminids Meteor Shower. The Geminids is the king of the meteor showers. It is considered by many to be the best shower in the heavens, producing up to 120 multicolored meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by debris left behind by an asteroid known as 3200 Phaethon, which was discovered in The shower runs annually from December It peaks this year on the night of the 13th and morning of the 14th. The first quarter moon will set shortly after midnight leaving dark skies for what should be an excellent early morning show. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Gemini, but can appear anywhere in the sky. > December 21, 22 Ursids Meteor Shower. The Ursids is a minor meteor shower producing about 5 10 meteors per hour. It is produced by dust grains left behind by comet Tuttle, which was first discovered in The shower runs annually from December It peaks this year on the the night of the 21st and morning of the 22nd. This year the glare from the full moon will hide all but the brightest meteors. If you are extremely patient, you might still be able to catch a few good ones. Best viewing will be just after midnight from a dark location far away from city lights. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Ursa Minor, but can appear anywhere in the sky. > January 3, 4 Quadrantids Meteor Shower. The Quadrantids is an above average shower, with up to 40 meteors per hour at its peak. It is thought to be produced by dust grains left behind by an extinct comet known as 2003 EH1, which was discovered in The shower runs annually from January 1 5. It peaks this year on the night of the 3rd and morning of the 4th. The moon will be a thin crescent and should not interfere with what could be a good show this year. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Bootes, but can appear anywhere in the sky. > January 6 Partial Solar Eclipse. A partial solar eclipse occurs when the Moon covers only a part of the Sun, sometimes resembling a bite taken out of a cookie. A partial solar eclipse can only be safely observed with a special solar filter or by looking at the Sun's reflection. The partial eclipse will be visible in parts of eastern Asia and the northern Pacific Ocean. It will be best seen from northeastern Russia with 62% coverage. (NASA Map and Eclipse Information) > January 21 Full Moon, Supermoon. The Moon will be at its closest approach to the Earth and may look slightly larger and brighter than usual. > January 22 Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter. A conjunction of Venus and Jupiter will be visible on January 22. The two bright planets will be visible within 2.4 degrees of each other in the early morning sky. Look for this impressive sight in the east just before sunrise. > January 21 Total Lunar Eclipse. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes completely through the Earth's dark shadow, or umbra. During this type of eclipse, the Moon will gradually get darker and then take on a rusty or blood red color. The eclipse will be visible throughout most of North America, South America, the eastern Pacific Ocean, western Atlantic Ocean, extreme western Europe, and extreme western Africa. (NASA Map and Eclipse Information) > February 19 Full Moon, Supermoon. > March 21 Full Moon, Supermoon. > April 22, 23 Lyrids Meteor Shower. The Lyrids is an average shower, usually producing about 20 meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by dust particles left behind by comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, which was discovered in The shower runs annually from April It peaks this year on the night of the night of the 22nd and morning of the 23rd. These meteors can sometimes produce bright dust trails that last for several seconds. The waning gibbous moon will block out many of the fainter meteors this year, but if you are patient you should still be able to catch a few of the brightest ones. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Lyra, but can appear anywhere in the sky. > May 6, 7 Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower. The Eta Aquarids is an above average shower, capable of producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. Most of the activity is seen in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, the rate can reach about 30 meteors per hour. It is produced by dust particles left behind by comet Halley, which has known and observed since ancient times. The shower runs annually from April 19 to May 28. It peaks this year on the night of May 6 and the morning of the May 7. The thin crescent moon will set early in the evening leaving dark skies for what should be a good show. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Aquarius, but can appear anywhere in the sky.

Astronomy Club of Asheville April 2017 Sky Events

Astronomy Club of Asheville April 2017 Sky Events April 2017 Sky Events The Planets this Month page 2 April 6 th - Regulus and the Gibbous Moon page 5 April 10 th -The Full Moon Joins Jupiter and Spica page 6 Planet Highlights page 7 Moon Phases page

More information

Astronomical Events 2019 (edited somewhat) from:

Astronomical Events 2019 (edited somewhat) from: Astronomical Events 2019 (edited somewhat) from: http://astropixels.com/ephemeris/astrocal/astrocal2019gmt.html January Note: Time column is UT, subtract 5 hours for local EST, 4 hours for DST Jan 1 to

More information

Astronomy Club of Asheville November 2017 Sky Events

Astronomy Club of Asheville November 2017 Sky Events November 2017 Sky Events The Planets this Month page 2 Close Conjunction of Venus and Jupiter page 7 Conjunction of Crescent Moon, Saturn & Mercury page 8 Planet Highlights page 9 Moon Phases page 12 November

More information

Jovian Planet Properties

Jovian Planet Properties The Outer Planets Jovian Planet Properties Jovian Planet Properties Compared to the terrestrial planets, the Jovians: are much larger & more massive are composed mostly of Hydrogen, Helium, & Hydrogen

More information

Astronomy Club of Asheville January 2016 Sky Events

Astronomy Club of Asheville January 2016 Sky Events January 2016 Sky Events The Planets this Month - page 2 Planet Highlights - page 7 All 5 Naked-Eye Planets in the Dawn Sky - page 10 Moon Phases - page 11 Earth Reaches Perihelion on Jan. 4 - page 12 Quadrantid

More information

Astronomy Club of Asheville December 2017 Sky Events

Astronomy Club of Asheville December 2017 Sky Events December 2017 Sky Events The Planets this Month - page 2 December 13-16 Crescent Moon with Jupiter and Mars page 8 Planet Highlights - page 9 Moon Phases - page 12 December 13 th Geminid Meteor Shower

More information

The Inferior Planets. Culpeper Astronomy Club Meeting October 23, 2017

The Inferior Planets. Culpeper Astronomy Club Meeting October 23, 2017 The Inferior Planets Culpeper Astronomy Club Meeting October 23, 2017 Overview Introductions Dark Matter (Ben Abbott) Mercury and Venus Stellarium Constellations: Aquila, Cygnus Observing Session (?) Image

More information

The Night Sky in October, 2016

The Night Sky in October, 2016 The Night Sky in October, 2016 At the beginning of October, the Sun will rise at 07:12 BST and set at 18:45 BST. By the end of the month it will rise at 07:07 GMT and set at 16:38 GMT. So let s hope for

More information

Astronomical Events for 2018 (compiled from Astropixels.com and RASC Observer s Handbook)

Astronomical Events for 2018 (compiled from Astropixels.com and RASC Observer s Handbook) Astronomical Events for 2018 (compiled from Astropixels.com and RASC Observer s Handbook) Date EST Event (h:m) JANUARY Jan 01 Mon 15:00 Mercury at Greatest Elongation 22.7 W 01 Mon 16:54 Moon at Perigee:

More information

Top 8 Must-See Sky Events for 2018

Top 8 Must-See Sky Events for 2018 Top 8 Must-See Sky Events for 2018 Get ready to see amazing eclipses, a comet encounter, planetary pairings, and more celestial wonders. A shadow falls across the face of the moon during a lunar eclipse.

More information

Explore the Universe Observing Certificate and Pin #3

Explore the Universe Observing Certificate and Pin #3 Explore the Universe Observing Certificate and Pin #3 Lunar Phases (4 of 8) Waxing Crescent Day 3 seen within 3h of sunset First Quarter within +- 18 hours Waxing Gibbous 3-4 days after First Quarter Full

More information

Morrison Pl anetarium. Meteor Showers Planet Watching Seasons and the Sun Eclipses Phases of the Moon

Morrison Pl anetarium. Meteor Showers Planet Watching Seasons and the Sun Eclipses Phases of the Moon Morrison Pl anetarium Meteor Showers Planet Watching Seasons and the Sun Eclipses Phases of the Moon P o c k e t A l m a n ac SEASONS AND THE SUN The terms below apply to the Northern Hemisphere. South

More information

Astrochart Links: Pennsic 43: coming July 25

Astrochart Links: Pennsic 43: coming July 25 Astrochart Links: Pennsic 43: coming July 25 Here are the views of the sky each night of Pennsic XLIII, July & August 2014. Stars begin to come out half an hour after sunset, around 9 o'clock to half past,

More information

Earth & Beyond Teacher Newsletter

Earth & Beyond Teacher Newsletter Paul Floyd s Astronomy & Space Website Earth & Beyond Teacher Newsletter www.nightskyonline.info Earth & Beyond Teaching opportunities for 2012 This special edition has been prepared to assist you with

More information

Name: Earth and Space Assessment Study Guide. Assessment Date : Term Rotation Revolution

Name: Earth and Space Assessment Study Guide. Assessment Date : Term Rotation Revolution Name: Earth and Space Assessment Study Guide Assessment Date : Earth s Rotation and Revolution Term Rotation Revolution Brief Definition Earth s Time to Complete One complete spin on an axis 24 hours (or

More information

Observing Meteor Showers

Observing Meteor Showers Observing Meteor Showers @northessexastro www.northessexastro.co.uk Copyright North Essex Astronomical Society 2017 All trademarks are acknowledged, and all equipment images remain copyright of their respective

More information

Astronomical events in 2018

Astronomical events in 2018 La Société Guernesiaise Astronomy Section Astronomical events in 2018 as seen from Guernsey compiled by David Le Conte This year sees a very favourable opposition of Mars on 27 July and, on the same day,

More information

Celestial Events for 2018 Hōkūlani Imaginarium Windward Community College Joseph Ciotti

Celestial Events for 2018 Hōkūlani Imaginarium Windward Community College Joseph Ciotti Celestial Events for 2018 Hōkūlani Imaginarium Windward Community College Joseph Ciotti all times HST Month Day Time Celestial Event 2018 Jan 1 11:54 am Moon at (closest to earth) 1 4:24 pm Full Moon Super

More information

Astronomy wall calendar

Astronomy wall calendar to Free oad nl w o for d t n i! pr and nal use o pers The Centre for Astronomical Heritage (CfAH) is a non-profit company working to protect South Africa s astronomical heritage. Donations are always welcome,

More information

2. The diagram below represents the apparent path of the Sun as seen by an observer at 65 N on March 21.

2. The diagram below represents the apparent path of the Sun as seen by an observer at 65 N on March 21. 1. Which diagram best represents the regions of Earth in sunlight on June 21 and December 21? [NP indicates the North Pole and the shading represents Earth's night side. Diagrams are not drawn to scale.]

More information

So it is possibly a new visitor from the Oort cloud way out on the outer fringes of the solar system.

So it is possibly a new visitor from the Oort cloud way out on the outer fringes of the solar system. Comet CATALINA C/2013 US10 Dave Eagle FRAS. This December starts what could be a very nice apparition of a reasonably bright comet in our northerly skies. Maps of the comets path at the end of this article.

More information

Astronomy 3. Earth Movements Seasons The Moon Eclipses Tides Planets Asteroids, Meteors, Comets

Astronomy 3. Earth Movements Seasons The Moon Eclipses Tides Planets Asteroids, Meteors, Comets Astronomy 3 Earth Movements Seasons The Moon Eclipses Tides Planets Asteroids, Meteors, Comets Earth s Movements Orbit- the path in which an object travels around another object in space Revolution the

More information

SKYCAL - Sky Events Calendar

SKYCAL - Sky Events Calendar SKYCAL - Sky Events Calendar Your web browser must have Javascript turned on. The following browsers have been successfully tested: Macintosh - Firefox 3.0 (Safari NOT supported) Windows - Firefox 3.0,

More information

Introduction To Modern Astronomy II

Introduction To Modern Astronomy II ASTR 111 003 Fall 2006 Lecture 03 Sep. 18, 2006 Introduction To Modern Astronomy II Introducing Astronomy (chap. 1-6) Planets and Moons (chap. 7-17) Ch1: Astronomy and the Universe Ch2: Knowing the Heavens

More information

The Night Sky in September, 2018

The Night Sky in September, 2018 The Night Sky in September, 2018 Hello all! Welcome to the September Newsletter! September is usually recognised by astronomers as the beginning of the observing year. Here s hoping for some warm nights

More information

WHAT S UP? JULY The Night Sky for Mid-Month at 10PM (Credit: Cartes du Ceil)

WHAT S UP? JULY The Night Sky for Mid-Month at 10PM (Credit: Cartes du Ceil) WHAT S UP? JULY 2013 The monsoon season begins in earnest in July (we hope!), which could definitely affect evening viewing, at least shortly after sunset, until the storm clouds die down. Constellations

More information

Astronomy Club of Asheville February 2018 Sky Events

Astronomy Club of Asheville February 2018 Sky Events February 2018 Sky Events The Planets this Month page 2 The Gibbous Moon Joins Jupiter, Mars and Antares page 7 A Crescent Moon Pairs with Venus page 8 Conjunction of Near Full Moon with Regulus page 9

More information

Astronomy is the oldest science! Eclipses. In ancient times the sky was not well understood! Bad Omens? Comets

Astronomy is the oldest science! Eclipses. In ancient times the sky was not well understood! Bad Omens? Comets Astronomy is the oldest science! In ancient times the sky was not well understood! Eclipses Bad Omens? Comets 1 The Ancient Greeks The Scientific Method Our ideas must always be consistent with our observations!

More information

Observing Meteor Showers

Observing Meteor Showers Observing Meteor Showers The Solar System is a dynamic arrangement of planets, dwarf planets and small solar-system bodies in orbit around the Sun. However, solid bodies much smaller than asteroids and

More information

Astronomy Club of Asheville March 2018 Sky Events

Astronomy Club of Asheville March 2018 Sky Events March 2018 Sky Events The Planets this Month - page 2 Close Conjunction of Venus and Mercury page 5 The Crescent Moon Joins Venus and Mercury page 6 A Crescent Moon Pairs with Aldebaran page 7 Planet Highlights

More information

Planets in the Sky ASTR 101 2/16/2018

Planets in the Sky ASTR 101 2/16/2018 Planets in the Sky ASTR 101 2/16/2018 1 Planets in the Sky 2018 paths of Jupiter among stars (2017/2018) Unlike stars which have fixed positions in the sky (celestial sphere), planets seem to move with

More information

JAMES: HEY THERE STAR GAZERS. I'M JAMES ALBURY, DIRECTOR OF THE KIKA SILVA PLA PLANETARIUM IN GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA.

JAMES: HEY THERE STAR GAZERS. I'M JAMES ALBURY, DIRECTOR OF THE KIKA SILVA PLA PLANETARIUM IN GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA. STAR GAZERS SG 1745 5-MINUTE "THE LEONID METEOR SHOWER" HEY THERE STAR GAZERS. I'M JAMES ALBURY, DIRECTOR OF THE KIKA SILVA PLA PLANETARIUM IN GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA. AND I'M DEAN REGAS, ASTRONOMER FOR THE

More information

Unit 2. Cycles of the Sky

Unit 2. Cycles of the Sky Unit 2 Cycles of the Sky The Celestial Sphere Vast distances to stars prevent us from sensing their true 3-D arrangement Naked eye observations treat all stars at the same distance, on a giant celestial

More information

'Supermoon' Coincides With Lunar Eclipse

'Supermoon' Coincides With Lunar Eclipse 28 th September 2015 'Supermoon' Coincides With Lunar Eclipse People around the world have observed a rare celestial event, as a lunar eclipse coincided with a so-called "supermoon". A supermoon occurs

More information

Using the Dark Times Calendars

Using the Dark Times Calendars Using the Dark Times Calendars Purpose My main reason for creating the Dark Times Calendars was to show, in advance, the best times for deep space astronomical observing. If I want to plan a family vacation

More information

METEORS. Astronomical Calendar 2018

METEORS. Astronomical Calendar 2018 1 These descriptions of the annual meteor showers are fuller than in the TIMETABLE OF EVENTS but still bare; I expect to amplify them later. Shower can be an optimistic term. You may see a few shooting

More information

Sky Quest This event has 12 stations. Print in color, use as many sets as you need for the number of teams you have.

Sky Quest This event has 12 stations. Print in color, use as many sets as you need for the number of teams you have. Sky Quest 2012 This event has 12 stations. Print in color, use as many sets as you need for the number of teams you have. Student response sheet and answer key are at the end. Station 1- Planet Questions

More information

Paper Reference. Paper Reference(s) 1627/01 Edexcel GCSE Astronomy Paper 01. Friday 15 May 2009 Morning Time: 2 hours

Paper Reference. Paper Reference(s) 1627/01 Edexcel GCSE Astronomy Paper 01. Friday 15 May 2009 Morning Time: 2 hours Centre No. Candidate No. Paper Reference(s) 1627/01 Edexcel GCSE Astronomy Paper 01 Friday 15 May 2009 Morning Time: 2 hours Materials required for examination Calculator Items included with question papers

More information

Contents of the Solar System

Contents of the Solar System The Solar System Contents of the Solar System Sun Planets 9 known (now: 8) Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars ( Terrestrials ) Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune ( Jovians ) Pluto (a Kuiper Belt object?) Natural

More information

The Night Sky in May, 2017

The Night Sky in May, 2017 The Night Sky in May, 2017 The dominating object in the sky this month is the planet Jupiter. It was at opposition on April 7 th when it was on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun and was at its

More information

Chapter: The Earth-Moon-Sun System

Chapter: The Earth-Moon-Sun System Chapter 7 Table of Contents Chapter: The Earth-Moon-Sun System Section 1: Earth in Space Section 2: Time and Seasons Section 3: Earth s Moon 1 Earth in Space Earth s Size and Shape Ancient Measurements

More information

1/3/12. Chapter: The Earth-Moon-Sun System. Ancient Measurements. Earth s Size and Shape. Ancient Measurements. Ancient Measurements

1/3/12. Chapter: The Earth-Moon-Sun System. Ancient Measurements. Earth s Size and Shape. Ancient Measurements. Ancient Measurements // Table of Contents Chapter: The Earth-Moon-Sun System Section : Chapter 7 Section : Section : Earth s Size and Shape Ancient Measurements First, no matter where you are on Earth, objects fall straight

More information

Dark Sky Observing Preview. BSA Troop 4 Pasadena, CA

Dark Sky Observing Preview. BSA Troop 4 Pasadena, CA Dark Sky Observing Preview BSA Troop 4 Pasadena, CA Topics Finding Dark sky Observing etiquette Observing basics Things to see Resources Finding Dark Sky To see faint objects, you want the darkest sky

More information

A. The moon B. The sun C. Jupiter D. Earth A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4. Sky Science Unit Review Konrad. Here is a selection of PAT style questions.

A. The moon B. The sun C. Jupiter D. Earth A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4. Sky Science Unit Review Konrad. Here is a selection of PAT style questions. Sky Science Unit Review Konrad Here is a selection of PAT style questions. Use the following information to answer the next question 1. 2. The source of light that allows astronimors to see Jupitor through

More information

The full, blue supermoon is coming to the night sky near you

The full, blue supermoon is coming to the night sky near you The full, blue supermoon is coming to the night sky near you By Shannon Schmoll, The Conversation, adapted by Newsela staff on 01.30.18 Word Count 872 Level 980L Image 1. A picture of the moon. It shows

More information

WHAT'S UP THIS MONTH - NOVEMBER 2015

WHAT'S UP THIS MONTH - NOVEMBER 2015 WHAT'S UP THIS MONTH - NOVEMBER 2015 THESE PAGES ARE INTENDED TO HELP YOU FIND YOUR WAY AROUND THE SKY The chart above shows the night sky as it appears on 15 th November at 9 o clock in the evening Greenwich

More information

THE SUN-EARTH-MOON SYSTEM

THE SUN-EARTH-MOON SYSTEM Date Period Name THE SUN-EARTH-MOON SYSTEM SECTION 27.1 Tools of Astronomy In your textbook, read about electromagnetic radiation and telescopes. Use each of the terms below just once to complete the passage.

More information

Which letter on the timeline best represents the time when scientists estimate that the Big Bang occurred? A) A B) B C) C D) D

Which letter on the timeline best represents the time when scientists estimate that the Big Bang occurred? A) A B) B C) C D) D 1. The red shift of light from most galaxies is evidence that A) most galaxies are moving away from Earth B) a majority of stars in most galaxies are red giants C) the light slows down as it nears Earth

More information

Sky views October 2007 revised 10/8/07 (excerpted from Astronomy magazine, 10/2007 issue) by Barbara Wiese

Sky views October 2007 revised 10/8/07 (excerpted from Astronomy magazine, 10/2007 issue) by Barbara Wiese Sky views October 2007 revised 10/8/07 (excerpted from Astronomy magazine, 10/2007 issue) by Barbara Wiese Monthly Overview - Views by Date Definitions Overview Viewing Notes Jupiter in Ophiuchus Neptune

More information

North Carolina Science Olympiad Elementary Division 2010 Sky Quest. Sky Quest. NCSO Sample Event 2010 Elementary Tournament Grade 3 Goal 3

North Carolina Science Olympiad Elementary Division 2010 Sky Quest. Sky Quest. NCSO Sample Event 2010 Elementary Tournament Grade 3 Goal 3 NCSO Sample Event 2010 Elementary Tournament Grade 3 Goal 3 STATION 1 1. Which of the following is NOT one of the inner planets? a. Earth b. Neptune c. Venus d. Mercury 2. Which planet is famous for its

More information

DeAnza College Winter Second Midterm Exam Section 04 MAKE ALL MARKS DARK AND COMPLETE.

DeAnza College Winter Second Midterm Exam Section 04 MAKE ALL MARKS DARK AND COMPLETE. FAMILY NAME : (Please PRINT!) GIVEN NAME : (Please PRINT!) Signature: ASTRONOMY 4 DeAnza College Winter 2018 Second Midterm Exam Section 04 MAKE ALL MARKS DARK AND COMPLETE. Instructions: 1. On your Parscore

More information

Observation plan for the month of October 2015

Observation plan for the month of October 2015 Observation plan for the month of October 2015 Circumpolar section Seen Date(s) seen Object RA Dec Mag Comments M101 14h 04' +54º 17' 7.7 Galaxy in Ursa Major M108 11h 11' +55º 40' 10.9 Galaxy in Ursa

More information

Name: Date: 5. The bright stars Vega, Deneb, and Altair form A) the summer triangle. B) the winter triangle. C) the Big Dipper. D) Orion, the Hunter.

Name: Date: 5. The bright stars Vega, Deneb, and Altair form A) the summer triangle. B) the winter triangle. C) the Big Dipper. D) Orion, the Hunter. Name: Date: 1. If there are about 6000 stars in the entire sky that can be seen by the unaided human eye, about how many stars would be seen at a particular instant on a given dark night from a single

More information

WHAT'S UP THIS MONTH - OCTOBER 2015

WHAT'S UP THIS MONTH - OCTOBER 2015 WHAT'S UP THIS MONTH - OCTOBER 2015 THESE PAGES ARE INTENDED TO HELP YOU FIND YOUR WAY AROUND THE SKY The chart above shows the night sky as it appears on 15 th October at 10 o clock in the evening British

More information

The Earth-Moon-Sun System. I. Lunar Rotation and Revolution II. Phases of the Moon III. Lunar Eclipses IV. Solar Eclipses

The Earth-Moon-Sun System. I. Lunar Rotation and Revolution II. Phases of the Moon III. Lunar Eclipses IV. Solar Eclipses The Earth-Moon-Sun System I. Lunar Rotation and Revolution II. Phases of the Moon III. Lunar Eclipses IV. Solar Eclipses I. Lunar Rotation and Revolution The Moon rotates on its axis as it circles the

More information

Solar System Glossary. The point in an object s elliptical orbit farthest from the body it is orbiting

Solar System Glossary. The point in an object s elliptical orbit farthest from the body it is orbiting Solar System Glossary Apogee Atmosphere Asteroid Axis Autumn Barred spiral The point in an object s elliptical orbit farthest from the body it is orbiting The air that surrounds Earth and other planets

More information

NEWBURY ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY BEGINNERS SECTION MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2010

NEWBURY ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY BEGINNERS SECTION MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2010 NEWBURY ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY BEGINNERS SECTION MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2010 THE LEONID METEOR SHOWER THIS MONTH In the middle of this month, around 15 th to 25 th November, there will be an increase in meteor

More information

PHYS 160 Astronomy Test #1 Fall 2017 Version B

PHYS 160 Astronomy Test #1 Fall 2017 Version B PHYS 160 Astronomy Test #1 Fall 2017 Version B 1 I. True/False (1 point each) Circle the T if the statement is true, or F if the statement is false on your answer sheet. 1. An object has the same weight,

More information

Notes on Moon Calendar 1/21/2015

Notes on Moon Calendar 1/21/2015 Notes on Moon Calendar 1/21/2015 I used Sun and Moon data from http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/rs_oneyear.php. I chose "District of Columbia" for location, partly because that's what came up on the screen.

More information

WHAT'S UP THIS MONTH MAY 2018

WHAT'S UP THIS MONTH MAY 2018 WHAT'S UP THIS MONTH MAY 2018 THESE PAGES ARE INTENDED TO HELP YOU FIND YOUR WAY AROUND THE SKY The chart on the last page is included for printing off and use outside The chart above shows the whole night

More information

The Celestial Sphere. Chapter 1. Constellations. Models and Science. Constellations. Diurnal vs. Annular Motion 9/16/2010

The Celestial Sphere. Chapter 1. Constellations. Models and Science. Constellations. Diurnal vs. Annular Motion 9/16/2010 The Celestial Sphere Chapter 1 Cycles of the Sky Vast distances to stars prevent us from sensing their true 3-D arrangement Naked eye observations treat all stars at the same distance, on a giant celestial

More information

b. So at 12:00 p.m., are the shadows pointing in the direction you predicted? If they are not, you must explain this observation.

b. So at 12:00 p.m., are the shadows pointing in the direction you predicted? If they are not, you must explain this observation. Astronomy 100 Name(s): Exercise 2: Timekeeping and astronomy The following exercise illustrates some basic ideas about time, and how our position in the solar system uniquely configures the measurement

More information

Solar Noon The point at which the Sun is highest in the sky (and when shadows are shortest).

Solar Noon The point at which the Sun is highest in the sky (and when shadows are shortest). Solar Noon The point at which the Sun is highest in the sky (and when shadows are shortest). Rotation The movement of one object as it turns or spins around a central point or axis. Revolution The movement

More information

The Night Sky in August, 2018

The Night Sky in August, 2018 The Night Sky in August, 2018 An interesting bit of news this month is that 12 new moons have been found in orbit around Jupiter! This brings the total number to 79 instead of a mere 67! The new moons

More information

Earth Moon Motions A B1

Earth Moon Motions A B1 Earth Moon Motions A B1 1. The Coriolis effect provides evidence that Earth (1) rotates on its axis (2) revolves around the Sun (3) undergoes cyclic tidal changes (4) has a slightly eccentric orbit 9.

More information

A) M D) The Moon s distance from Earth varies in a cyclic manner.

A) M D) The Moon s distance from Earth varies in a cyclic manner. Base your answers to questions 1 and 2 on the diagram below, which shows Earth in orbit around the Sun, and the Moon in orbit around Earth. M 1, M 2, M 3, and M 4 indicate positions of the Moon in its

More information

STARS AND THE SOLAR SYSTEM

STARS AND THE SOLAR SYSTEM 17 STARS AND THE SOLAR SYSTEM TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS AND THEIR ANSWERS 1. Which of the following is NOT a member of the solar system? (a) An asteroid (c) A constellation (b) A satellite (d) A comet Ans. (c)

More information

Some Tips Before You Start:

Some Tips Before You Start: Astronomy is the world s oldest science. For thousands of years people have been looking upwards and attempting to explain what they saw. It began when the ancient myths were linked to the sky by the constellations

More information

The Night Sky in July, 2018

The Night Sky in July, 2018 The Night Sky in July, 2018 This month s Newsletter comes from Crete! When we first arrived here on June 16 th we were treated to the sight of Jupiter in the south and a brilliant Venus close to a slender

More information

A. the spinning of Earth on its axis B. the path of the Sun around Earth

A. the spinning of Earth on its axis B. the path of the Sun around Earth stronomy 1 Packet Write answers on your own paper 1. The Sun appears to move across the sky each day. What causes this?. the spinning of Earth on its axis. the path of the Sun around Earth. the production

More information

7.4 Universal Gravitation

7.4 Universal Gravitation Circular Motion Velocity is a vector quantity, which means that it involves both speed (magnitude) and direction. Therefore an object traveling at a constant speed can still accelerate if the direction

More information

BROCK UNIVERSITY. Test 1: October 2014 Number of pages: 9 Course: ASTR 1P01, Section 2 Number of students: 950

BROCK UNIVERSITY. Test 1: October 2014 Number of pages: 9 Course: ASTR 1P01, Section 2 Number of students: 950 BROCK UNIVERSITY Page 1 of 9 Test 1: October 2014 Number of pages: 9 Course: ASTR 1P01, Section 2 Number of students: 950 Examination date: 3 October 2013 Time limit: 50 min Time of Examination: 20:00

More information

NEWBURY ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY BEGINNERS MAGAZINE - APRIL 2011 THE CONSTELLATION OF VIRGO

NEWBURY ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY BEGINNERS MAGAZINE - APRIL 2011 THE CONSTELLATION OF VIRGO NEWBURY ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY BEGINNERS MAGAZINE - APRIL 2011 Virgo is one of the constellations of the Zodiac and sits on the imaginary line known as the Ecliptic. The Ecliptic is shown as the line running

More information

ASTR 1P01 Test 1, September 2018 Page 1 BROCK UNIVERSITY

ASTR 1P01 Test 1, September 2018 Page 1 BROCK UNIVERSITY ASTR 1P01 Test 1, September 2018 Page 1 BROCK UNIVERSITY Test 1: Fall 2018 Number of pages: 9 Course: ASTR 1P01, Section 2 Number of students: 1300 Examination date: 29 September 2018 Time limit: 50 min

More information

Across the Universe. By Gabrielle Sierra

Across the Universe. By Gabrielle Sierra Across the Universe By Gabrielle Sierra Our universe is an amazing place. Since prehistoric days, inquisitive minds have been wondering about the celestial objects that surround our planet, and today scientists

More information

SPI Use data to draw conclusions about the major components of the universe.

SPI Use data to draw conclusions about the major components of the universe. SPI 0607.6.1 - Use data to draw conclusions about the major components of the universe. o Stars are huge, hot, brilliant balls of gas trillions of kilometers away. A Galaxy is a collection of billions

More information

Brock University. Test 1, October 2017 Number of pages: 9 Course: ASTR 1P01, Section 1 Number of Students: 470 Date of Examination: October 3, 2017

Brock University. Test 1, October 2017 Number of pages: 9 Course: ASTR 1P01, Section 1 Number of Students: 470 Date of Examination: October 3, 2017 Brock University Test 1, October 2017 Number of pages: 9 Course: ASTR 1P01, Section 1 Number of Students: 470 Date of Examination: October 3, 2017 Number of hours: 50 min Time of Examination: 17:00 17:50

More information

The Evening Sky in January 2018

The Evening Sky in January 2018 The Evening Sky in January 2018 Bright stars appear in the eastern half of the evening sky in January. Sirius is the brightest. Left of Sirius are bluish Rigel and orange Betelgeuse, the brightest stars

More information

The Sun s center is much hotter than the surface. The Sun looks large and bright in the sky. Other stars look much smaller.

The Sun s center is much hotter than the surface. The Sun looks large and bright in the sky. Other stars look much smaller. The Sun A star is a huge ball of hot, glowing gases. The Sun is a star. The width of the Sun is equal to the width of 100 Earths placed side by side. The Sun is extremely hot. The surface of the Sun has

More information

1 UNIVERSE. I. Tick ( ) the most appropriate answer. 1. Our solar system belongs to:

1 UNIVERSE. I. Tick ( ) the most appropriate answer. 1. Our solar system belongs to: 1 UNIVERSE I. Tick ( ) the most appropriate answer. 1. Our solar system belongs to: (a) elliptical galaxy (b) spiral galaxy (c) irregular galaxy (d) none of these 2. The name of our galaxy is: (a) andromeda

More information

Astronomy Club of Asheville July 2018 Sky Events

Astronomy Club of Asheville July 2018 Sky Events July 2018 Sky Events The Planets this Month page 2 July 9 th - Conjunction of Venus and Regulus page 4 July 14 th - Crescent Moon Meets Mercury and Venus page 5 July 24 th - Moon, Saturn and a Teapot page

More information

SPACE REVIEW. 1. The time it takes for the Earth to around the sun is one year. a. rotate b. revolve

SPACE REVIEW. 1. The time it takes for the Earth to around the sun is one year. a. rotate b. revolve SPACE REVIEW 1. The time it takes for the Earth to around the sun is one year. a. rotate b. revolve 2. Which planet is known as the "Red Planet"? a. Earth b. Mars c. Uranus d. Venus 3. One complete revolution

More information

1UNIT. The Universe. What do you remember? Key language. Content objectives

1UNIT. The Universe. What do you remember? Key language. Content objectives 1UNIT The Universe What do you remember? What are the points of light in this photo? What is the difference between a star and a planet? a moon and a comet? Content objectives In this unit, you will Learn

More information

6. (11.2) What shape are typical asteroids and how do we know? Why does Ceres not have this shape?

6. (11.2) What shape are typical asteroids and how do we know? Why does Ceres not have this shape? SUMMARY Our Solar System contains numerous small bodies: dwarf planets, asteroids, comets, and meteoroids. They are important astronomically because they give us information about the time of formation,

More information

Photographing Meteors, Fireballs and Meteor Showers

Photographing Meteors, Fireballs and Meteor Showers OCTOBER 14, 2018 BEGINNER Photographing Meteors, Fireballs and Meteor Showers Featuring DIANA ROBINSON Diana Robinson The Milky Way and a meteor shower over Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. D5,

More information

Space Science Jeopardy!

Space Science Jeopardy! Space Science Jeopardy! Structure of the Universe Stars & HR Diagram Seasons, Tides, Phases, Eclipses Astronomical Bodies The Sun & Gravity 10 10 10 10 10 20 20 20 20 20 30 30 30 30 30 40 40 40 40 40 50

More information

Chapter 17 Solar System

Chapter 17 Solar System Chapter 17 Solar System Rotation Earth spinning on its axis (like a top) "TOP" imaginary rod running through the center of the Earth from North pole to South pole The Earth is tilted on its axis at an

More information

The Night Sky in May, 2018

The Night Sky in May, 2018 The Night Sky in May, 2018 I know that many of you enjoyed the sight of a brilliant Venus during April especially when it was very close to a beautiful crescent Moon. Venus will continue to be a dazzling

More information

Chapter 1: Discovering the Night Sky. The sky is divided into 88 unequal areas that we call constellations.

Chapter 1: Discovering the Night Sky. The sky is divided into 88 unequal areas that we call constellations. Chapter 1: Discovering the Night Sky Constellations: Recognizable patterns of the brighter stars that have been derived from ancient legends. Different cultures have associated the patterns with their

More information

Name: Exam 1, 9/30/05

Name: Exam 1, 9/30/05 Multiple Choice: Select the choice that best answers each question. Write your choice in the blank next to each number. (2 points each) 1. At the North Pole in mid-november, the sun rises at a. North of

More information

The full, blue supermoon is coming to the night sky near you

The full, blue supermoon is coming to the night sky near you The full, blue supermoon is coming to the night sky near you By Shannon Schmoll, The Conversation, adapted by Newsela staff on 01.30.18 Word Count 872 Level 980L Image 1. A picture of the moon. It shows

More information

Brock University. Test 1, May 2014 Number of pages: 9 Course: ASTR 1P01 Number of Students: 500 Date of Examination: May 21, 2014

Brock University. Test 1, May 2014 Number of pages: 9 Course: ASTR 1P01 Number of Students: 500 Date of Examination: May 21, 2014 Brock University Test 1, May 2014 Number of pages: 9 Course: ASTR 1P01 Number of Students: 500 Date of Examination: May 21, 2014 Number of hours: 50 min Time of Examination: 14:00 14:50 Instructor: B.Mitrović

More information

1. The bar graph below shows one planetary characteristic, identified as X, plotted for the planets of our solar system.

1. The bar graph below shows one planetary characteristic, identified as X, plotted for the planets of our solar system. 1. The bar graph below shows one planetary characteristic, identified as X, plotted for the planets of our solar system. Which characteristic of the planets in our solar system is represented by X? A)

More information

Eclipses September 12th, 2013

Eclipses September 12th, 2013 Eclipses September 12th, 2013 Who was the favorite Star Wars character of the class? A) Obi-Wan B) Jar Jar C) Luke Skywalker D) Yoda News! Dark matter http://mcdonaldobservatory.org/news/releases/2013/09/10

More information

drinking straw, protractor, string, and rock. observer on Earth. Sun across the sky on March 21 as seen by an

drinking straw, protractor, string, and rock. observer on Earth. Sun across the sky on March 21 as seen by an 1. The diagram below represents some constellations and one position of Earth in its orbit around the Sun. These constellations are visible to an observer on Earth at different times of the year. When

More information

PHYSICS 107. Lecture 4 Ancient Astronomy

PHYSICS 107. Lecture 4 Ancient Astronomy PHYSICS 107 Lecture 4 Ancient Astronomy Introduction Astronomy is the oldest science. There are astronomical artifacts going back 8000 years. Many ancient cultures on every continent seem to have had examples

More information

1. Which term describes any object that exists in space? a. celestial object b. star c. planet d. asteroid

1. Which term describes any object that exists in space? a. celestial object b. star c. planet d. asteroid Space Test Review Multiple Choice Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question. 1. Which term describes any object that exists in space? a. celestial object b. star c.

More information

The Night Sky in January, 2018

The Night Sky in January, 2018 The Night Sky in January, 2018 Welcome to another year! Now we have turned the corner and the nights are drawing out more rapidly. On January 1 st, the Sun will set at 16:01 but by January 31 st it will

More information

Locating the Planets (Chapter 20) and the Moon and Sun (Chapter 22)

Locating the Planets (Chapter 20) and the Moon and Sun (Chapter 22) GEOLOGY 306 Laboratory Instructor: TERRY J. BOROUGHS NAME: Locating the Planets (Chapter 20) and the Moon and Sun (Chapter 22) For this assignment, you will require: a calculator, colored pencils, a metric

More information

The Atlanta Astronomy Club. Charlie Elliot Chapter. Observing 101

The Atlanta Astronomy Club. Charlie Elliot Chapter. Observing 101 The Atlanta Astronomy Club Charlie Elliot Chapter Observing 101 1 Observing 101 Dec 2010 Astro Events Target List Featured Object 2 Astro Events Tonight: Sunset at 5:29 PM Moon sets at 4:34 PM Mercury

More information