NST1010: ASTRONOMY
OBSERVING PROJECT: Night Sky Observations (10 points)
DUE LAST DAY OF CLASS – NO EXTENSIONS
START EARLY!
Do not wait to start your observations. Cloudiness will not be accepted as an excuse.
For safety reasons it is required that you observe with a partner.
Do not observe the sky alone!!
***Each student must submit an INDIVIDUAL report.***
Include observing partner’s name and Honor Code statement
Observe at least five (5) objects in the night sky with your naked eye. You do not need to observe them all on the same night (one night of observations is approved).
Project observations can be made during group observing sessions using Babson telescopes. Acceptable objects are:
- Any planet(s)
- Naked eye objects such as Pleiades, Orion Nebula
- Any astronomical object other than an individual star, moon, or constellation (artificial satellites are not acceptable)
- Special event ( eclipse, specific meteor shower)
https://www.space.com/16149-night-sky.html
For EACH of the observations:
- Explain how you determined that the object was visible.
- Provide information on your source of information ( eg, website, phone app)
- Include the following information for EACH object:
- Describe the object observed
- Where you were when you observed it (latitude/longitude)
- When you observed it (date, local time, UT/GMT and Julian Date)
- How bright the object was compared to other objects you observed and/or to other specific stars visible at that time.
- Altitude above horizon and compass direction of observation*
- Weather conditions at time of observation
- Brief summary (1page) providing scientific background on each object
To plan your observations there are several internet sites that provide the appropriate information. Two good starting points are:
www.heavens-above.com (requires registration)
www.skyandtelescope.com
*Construct a simple astrolabe to perform this measurement.
The following website has instructions for the astrolabe.
http://cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/AtHomeAstronomy/activity_07.html