Astronomy 311
Observing Project
This observing project will be an ongoing effort that will last all semester. You will observe several planets plus the moon with your naked eye and record their positions on the forms provided. You will also make several sketches of objects viewed through the telescope on nights announced in advance by your instructor. For parts 1 and 2 you should answer the related question on a separate sheet of paper in complete sentences.
Some general points apply to all naked eye observations. Take the semi-circular observing form and make several copies. Use one copy for each observation. You should always face towards a cardinal point (N,E,S,W) when making the observations. Label the horizon line with the direction you are facing and also the other two directions to the left and right. Label the zenith at the top of the diagram (remember, the top of the diagram is overhead). Label all planets and also near-by bright stars if you can. Try to keep your sketches as neat as possible and draw things to scale (the moon should not take up half the sky, for example.) If you are having trouble, please see me.
Early in the semester the bright planet Jupiter will be visible low in the south or southwest in the evening. Draw a sketch of Jupiter and include the Summer Triangle as well as the bright red star Antares. Then go back out and draw a second sketch of Jupiter about a week later also including the Summer Triangle and Antares Be sure to do your first sketch early in the semester so you will be able to get the second one in.
Question: Can you tell that Jupiter is a planet by looking at it in a single observation? Can you tell that Jupiter is a planet by looking at both your observations? Explain.
The Moon will be visible at different times of day as semester progresses. Your job is to sketch the moon, including its position and phase, at least 4 times during the semester. Try to get as close as possible to the 4 principle phases (New, 1st Quarter, Full, 3rd Quarter) as you can.
Question: Draw a diagram showing the relative position of the Earth, the Sun, the Moon and yourself (as a stick figure on the appropriate place on Earth) for each of the drawings you have made.
Part 3: Telescope Sketches (Due Friday November 9)
Bring several copies of the observing template with you to the observatory on the announced nights. To make the observation, simply look through the eyepiece and draw what you see. Label the date, time and object for each sketch and also label any features pointed out to you by the instructor.