ObservationStartOfCourse1030
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Clemson University *
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Course
1030
Subject
Astronomy
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
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2
Uploaded by ChefResolve13339
ASTR1030
Start of Semester Sky Observation
Between 1/22 and 2/2, between 7pm and midnight
Summarize the pointing constellation methods to find the north star as outlined by your lab instructor during the planetarium visit.
Make a live observation of the sky on a clear night.
Record the date and time of your observation.
Use a pointing constellation method to find the north pole star and then confirm with a phone app.
Which pointing constellation method did you use and what phone app did you use to confirm the location of the pole star?
Using your hand as a rudimentary measurement device, what is the height of the pole star above the horizon? (Describe how you are holding your hand and remember the astronomical horizon is perpendicular to the zenith)
Look for the moon. Using the pole star as a reference for north, in what cardinal direction is the moon in the sky? (The moon may be below the horizon, use your phone app to find the moon and answer the question)
Using your hand as a rudimentary measuring device, where is the moon relative to the horizon? (if your phone app shows the moon below the horizon, estimate how far below the horizon)
Look for Jupiter, it should be the brightest object in the sky other than the moon, use your phone app to confirm what you are looking at is Jupiter.
Using the pole star as your reference for north, in what cardinal direction is Jupiter?
Using your hand as a rudimentary measuring device, where is Jupiter relative to the horizon?
Now, go to https://theskylive.com/planets
. Find Jupiter and record the right ascension and declination. These are the coordinates of Jupiter on the Celestial Sphere, Jupiter’s position relative to the stars. (note:
despite how they seem the units for RA are not
units of time) Wait at least an hour and then go to the same location to make a follow up observation.
Record the date and time of this follow up observation.
Locate the pole star again. Using your hand to measure, what is the height of the pole star above the horizon?
What is the cardinal direction and height of the moon above the horizon?
What is the cardinal direction and height of Jupiter above the horizon?
Describe the motion of the pole star, Moon, and Jupiter between your first observation and your follow up observation.
Finally, look up the right ascension and declination of Jupiter now that its position has changed in the night sky as viewed from the surface of the Earth. Has its location on the celestial sphere changed? Why or why not? (Hint: the reason Jupiter, the moon, etc. change their position in our nights sky is from the diurnal motion which is the same as why the sun rises and sets. The position across the celestial sphere, relative to the stars, is different from this.) Extra Credit:
Find another object in the sky. Describe why you think it is interesting. Record its location using cardinal direction and height above the horizon.
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