Astronomy Paper

For this assignment, you will choose and complete one of the following options:

• Option 1: Science of Stars Paper
• Option 2: Telescopes in Astronomy

Option 1: Science of the Stars Paper

View the following interactive multimedia located in the Classroom:

• The Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram self-guided tutorial
• Black Holes self-guided tutorial
• Figure 13.12: Altering the Curvature of Space-Time interactive figure
• Figure 13.15: Formation of an X-ray Binary interactive figure

Write a 700- to 875-word paper in which you discuss the science of sunlight and stars. Include the following elements:

• Explain how astronomical instruments help astronomers determine the composition, temperature, speed, and rotation rate of distant objects.
• Explain the properties of stars in the diagram located in the "What is a Hertzsprung-Russell diagram?" section in Ch. 11 of The Essential Cosmic Perspective.
• Summarize the complete lifecycle of the Sun, including its nature and properties.
• Determine where the Sun is in its lifecycle.

Cite at least two references.

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

Option 2: Telescopes in Astronomy

View the following interactive multimedia located in the Classroom:

• Telescopes self-guided tutorial
• Light and Spectroscopy self-guided tutorial

Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper in which you discuss the science of sunlight and stars. Include the following elements:

• Explain how the telescope changed our view of the universe and our place in it.
• Explain the major designs of telescopes and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.
• Describe the best places to build ground-based telescopes and why astronomers choose those places.
• Contrast the strengths and weaknesses between building telescopes on the Earth, in orbit, or even on the Moon.
• Explain how different frequencies of light tell more about the birth, life, and death in the nature and properties of the Sun, the stars, and the universe.
• Explain how telescopes manage to operate in wavelengths of light that stretch from radio waves to gamma rays.

Cite at least two references.

Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.