ASTR 1030 Astronomy Lab 161 Telescope Observing TELESCOPE OBSERVING SYNOPSIS: You will view and sketch a number of different astronomical objects through the SBO telescopes. The requirements for credit for telescope observing may vary from instructor to instructor. The following is given only as a guideline. EQUIPMENT: Observatory telescopes, observing forms, and a pencil. Be sure to dress warmly - the observing deck is not heated! Part I. Observing Deep Sky Objects The two main SBO observing telescopes (the 16-inch and 18-inch) are both operated by computer. The user may tell the computer to point at, for example, object number 206, or s/he may specify the coordinates at which s/he wants the telescope to point. Deep sky objects are easily selected from the SBO Catalog of Objects found in the operations manual of each telescope. Additional objects may also easily be located with the 18-inch telescope using TheSky planetarium program. Your instructor may point the telescopes to at least one of each of the following different types of deep-sky objects (provided that weather cooperates and appropriate objects are "up" at the time); distinguishing characteristics to look for have been included. Double or multiple stars. Separation of the stars, relative brightness, orientation, and color of each component. Open clusters. Distribution, concentration, and relative brightness and color of the stars. Globular clusters. Shape, symmetry, and central condensation of stars. Diffuse nebulae. Shape, intensity, color, possible association with stars or clusters. Planetary nebulae. Shape (ring, circular, oblong, etc.), size, possible central star visible. Galaxies. Type (spiral, elliptical, irregular), components (nucleus, arms), shape and size. For each of the above objects that you observe: I.1 In the spaces provided on the observing form, fill in the object's name, type, position in the sky ( and ), etc. Make sure you note what constellation the object is in; this information is almost essential when using the reference books! I.2 Observe through the telescope and get a good mental image of the appearance of the object. You may wish to try averted vision (looking out of the corner of your eye) to aid you in seeing faint detail. Take your time; the longer you look, the more detail you will be able to see.
ASTR 1030 Astronomy Lab 162 Telescope Observing I.3 Using a pencil, carefully sketch the object from memory, using the circle on the observing form to represent the view in the eyepiece. Be as detailed and accuracy as possible, indicating color, brightness, and relative size. I.4 Include an "eyepiece impression" of what you observed: a brief statement of your impressions and interpretations; feel free to draw upon comparisons (eg., "like a smoke ring", "a little cotton ball", etc.), and to express your own enthusiam or disappointment in the view. I.5 If you wish, or if your instructor has required it, research some additional information on your objects. The Observatory lab room has some sources, as does the Math-Physics Library. Specific useful books are Burnham's Celestial Handbook, the Messier Album, and textbooks. Read about the object, then provide any additional information you think is particularly pertinent or interesting. Part II. Planetary Observations Most of the other eight planets (besides the Earth) are readily observed with the SBO telescopes. The difficult ones are Pluto (tiny and faint) and Mercury (usually too close to the Sun). Provided that they are available in the sky this semester (consult the Celestial Calendar section at the beginning of this manual): II.1 Observe, sketch, and research at least two of the solar system planets as in paragraphs I.1 through I.5 above. Pay particular attention to relative size, surface markings, phase, and of course any special features such as moons, shadows, rings. You may wish to use different magnifications (different eyepieces) to attempt to pick out more detail.
ASTR 1030 Astronomy Lab 163 Telescope Observing
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