Night Sky Observations Final Project
Observations With Computer Program
Read the instructions in Night Sky Observations and complete the assignment.
Night Sky Observations
Background
Astronomy involves the making and recording of observations of objects and phenomena visible in the night sky. As a course-long project, you are asked to perform night viewing of celestial objects at least once a week for the duration of the workshop and to maintain a log of your observations.
To complete this assignment:
Observations With Computer Program
Download and use Stellarium from the Internet to complete your observations. The download is free.
At a minimum, you should try to note the following:
1.The Moon and its phase
- Try to observe at least 3 lunar features such as named craters, lunar maria, phase, and mountainous areas
- Determine the time of moonrise and, if possible, the distance between Earth and the Moon on the particular date of viewing.
- Observe Moon phases over a period of 5 weeks. Sketch the shape of the Moon every time and record your observations.
2.The North Star (Polaris): along with the associated constellations of Ursa Minor and Ursa Major (also known as the Little Dipper and the Big Dipper).
3. Note the position of the 2 constellations at 2 separate times and draw a chart.
4.Identify at least 4 other constellations.
- Note if they are in the Zodiac.
- Note the time, position (direction), and approximate elevation above the horizon.
5.Determine whether the Milky Way is visible and, if so, its orientation.
6.Identify and observe at least 2 planets and describe their movement over your weeks of observation.
7.Note any other observed celestial objects or phenomena, such as meteor showers, comets, and satellites. Perform an online search for the calendar of such phenomena and discuss whether your observations are in agreement with expected schedule.
8.Record meteorological conditions, such as cloud cover, lightning, and light pollution.
Assignment Instructions
Create a chart or table for your observations each week. You can use the 1 below or create your own (the contents in left column came from the information above).
Write a 260- to 525-word summary of your findings.
Submit the table and summary to your facilitator.
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Observed item |
Week 1 |
Week 2 |
Week 3 |
Week 4 |
Week 5 |
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The Moon and its phases |
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North Star |
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Position of 2 constellations |
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Identify at least four other constellations. |
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Milky Way |
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Planet movement |
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Celestial objects or phenomena |
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Meteorological conditions |
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Summary of findings (300–to 500-words):
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Week 1: October 25 – 31, 2016
Week 2: November 1 – 07, 2016
Week 3: November 08 – 14, 2016
Week 4: November 15 -21, 2016
Week 5: November 22 – 28, 2016
Below is the assignment Rubric:
Assignment Grading Form
Chart: Night Sky Observations.
Option 1 or 2: Observations
Assignment: Individual
Student:
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Content and Organization |
Percent Earned: |
Comments: |
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All key elements of the assignment are covered in a substantive way. (70 points) The chart describes the Moon and its phase The student observed at least three lunar features such as named craters, lunar maria, phase, and mountainous areas The chart indicates the time of moonrise and, if possible, the distance between Earth and the Moon on the particular date of viewing. The chart recorded the North Star (Polaris): the associated constellations of Ursa Minor and Ursa Major (also known as the Little Dipper and the Big Dipper). The chart noted the position of the two constellations at two separate times and draws a chart The chart identify at least four other constellations. The chart note if constellations are in the Zodiac. The chart noted the time, position (direction), and approximate elevation above the horizon. The chart determine whether the Milky Way is visible and, if so, its orientation The chart identified and observed at least two planets and described their movement over the weeks of observation. The chart noted any other observed celestial objects or phenomena, such as meteor showers, comets, and satellites. The chart recorded meteorological conditions, such as cloud cover, lightning, and light pollution. The chart recorded the objects above over five weeks. The chart contains a 260- to 525-word summary of your findings. |
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The summary is comprehensive, accurate, and/or persuasive. (5 points) |
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The summary links theory to relevant examples of current experience and industry practice and uses the vocabulary of the theory correctly.(5 points) |
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Major points are stated clearly; are supported by specific details, examples, or analysis; and are organized logically.(5 points) |
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Readability and Style of the Summary |
Percent Earned |
Comments: |
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Paragraph transitions are present and logical and maintain the flow throughout the paper. (3 points) |
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The tone is appropriate to the content and assignment. (3 points) |
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Sentences are complete, clear, and concise. (3 points) |
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Sentences are well-constructed, with consistently strong, varied sentences. (3 points) |
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Sentence transitions are present and maintain the flow of thought. (3 points) |
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Total 100 |
Percent Earned |
Comments: |
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Points Possible: 20 |
Percent |
Points earned: |
