(200 point Term Project)
**Report is due on or before Thursday, November 30, 2006**
Please choose one of the following activities that involve monitoring systematic motion and/or changes in shape of a solar system body or constellation over a period of time. In most cases you will need an astrolabe to measure altitude (template to be handed out in class) and an inexpensive compass to measure azimuth. Procedures for measuring altitude and inclination will be introduced during class time early this quarter. Procedures for measuring azimuth are described in detail on a separate class handout. Most of the observations suggested below can be accomplished with your naked eye.
Data Collection (100 points):
Make careful drawings and/or measurements and keep a written record of the body’s position in the sky; typically this will be its true azimuth (some value between 0 and 360 degrees) and altitude (angle above the horizon, between 0 and 90 degrees), and perhaps position relative to certain stars or the moon. Note the exact time and place of each observation. You may not be able to make daily observations due to cloud cover and other factors, but try to gather enough data to show a variation with time. Four to six observations should yield a reasonable graph; more is even better. Be sure to plan ahead!! Your ability to observe the planets may be inhibited by light pollution or your personal schedule. Certain planets may only be visible in the early morning hours or well past bedtime!
Analysis and Write-Up (100 points):
After sufficient data is collected, summarize your observations with simple illustrations (drawings and graphs). In most cases your graphs will show time on the x-axis and some angle on the y-axis. Present these illustrations with a one or two-paragraph typed summary. Your summary should succinctly explain: (A) what you observed, (B) when and how the data were collected, and (C) what your data mean in terms of celestial processes or phenomena discussed in GSC 116. Attach an Appendix to your report that includes your “raw data,” i.e., original measurements and/or sketches that you recorded when making the observations. As with any scientific report, organization, clarity, and neatness of presentation are expected.
Possible Study Topics:
(A) Measure the sun’s position (azimuth, inclination, and altitude) relative to a vertical marker over the course of one day. Graph inclination, azimuth, and altitude versus time.
(B) Measure the variation in the Sun’s inclination, altitude, and azimuth at one particular time of day over the course of at least one month. Graph inclination, azimuth, and altitude versus time.
(C) Observe the Moon’s position and phase at one particular time of night over the course of one month. Draw its shape and measure its azimuth, altitude, and orientation each night. Graph azimuth and altitude versus time. Hint: For more ideas, see example of a Moon Observation Activity from Autumn, 2005 created by Dr. Jascha Polet—this is posted on J. Nourse’s web site
(D) Measure the Moon’s position (azimuth and altitude) over the course of one night. Try to do this when the moon is somewhere between full and first quarter phases so you have a long period of observation. Graph azimuth and altitude versus time.
(E) Observe Venus’ position over a time period of at least one month when it is a morning “star” or evening “star”. Graph azimuth and altitude versus time. Hint: For more ideas, see example of a Venus Observation Activity from Autumn, 2005-- this is posted on J. Nourse’s web site
(F) Observe variations in the position of Mars, Jupiter, and/or Saturn at the same time of night over the course of at least one month. Graph azimuth and altitude versus time.
(G) Draw the variation in position of the Big Dipper, Cassiopeia, or some other prominent constellation relative to Polaris over the course of one night. Make careful drawings, indicating azimuth and altitude of prominent marker stars. Then graph how this position varies over time. In general, your drawings will show a counterclockwise rotation of the constellation.
(H) Choose your favorite constellation (Big Dipper, Little Dipper, Cassiopeia, Orion, Aquarius, Scorpius, Capricornus, Saggitarius, etc). Measure its position in the sky at the same time of the evening over the course of at least one or two months. Make careful drawings, indicating azimuth and altitude of prominent marker stars. Then graph how this position varies over time.
(I) Carefully observe and monitor a lunar or solar eclipse.
(J) Use your imagination and design your own activity!! Access to a telescope opens up many more sophisticated types of observations; e.g., mapping the phases of Venus or moons of Jupiter or Saturn
Important Safety Notes:
--Never look directly at the sun!!
--Sun’s position must be measured indirectly. Use the shadow/compass method introduced in class. Altitude can also be measured by projecting the sun’s beam through the straw of your astrolabe onto a flat surface.
--Don’t use binoculars to try to find Mercury; commonly it’s too close to the sun
Good Luck, and Happy Viewing!!