Earth & Astronomical Science

Get outside and observe the night sky!!! You cannot leave this assignment to the last minute, do it NOW :-)

*Good website for Observing Preparation: http://www.wunderground.com **Check out attached PDF for help with the Weather Underground Website!

Answer the following questions and submit via Blackboard in the correct file format as outlined in the syllabus. No other formats will be accepted. Also, please put your name on your homework.

Chapter 21 – Origins of Modern Astronomy

1. Review Question (2 pt.)

Describe what produces the retrograde motion of Mars. What geometric arrangements did Ptolemy use to explain this motion?

2. ESSAY & Review Question (8 pt.)

Read the Box 21.1 – Understanding Earth” on page 623 in your textbook, 13th Ed, titled Astrology – the Forerunner of Astronomy . (Box 21.2 on page 612 in the 12th Edition) Then, answer the following questions, giving at least 2-3 paragraphs of your OWN WORK (no copying directly from the textbook phrases or internet).

Why did the ancients believe that celestial objects had some control over their lives? How are Astrology and Astronomy related and how are they different (be specific). Why do you think people often confuse these two terms, Astrology and Astronomy, and the meaning behind them? How is Astrology a part of your daily life? How is Astronomy a part of your daily life?

Night Sky Observing and Preparation – Two Parts (15pts)

3. Night Sky Observation (5pts):

Go out and view the night sky! Please remember that the weather is sometimes unpredictable, so if it is clear, go out and observe! Your observations don’t need to be an all night affair (unless you want!), just take 10-15 minutes to look up at the night sky and locate some constellation, the moon or some planets!

Write a paragraph describing your stargazing observing experience:

4. Preparation ( 10 pts): (FILL IN CHART ON LAST PAGE!)

Before you head outside it is important to know what objects are going to be visible, when the sun sets or rises, when the moon sets/rises, the lunar phase and prepare a list of objects you want to view that night. Any time you want to go out and observe the stars, doing your ‘research’ before hand will allow you to truly see more in the night sky!

For each heading you want to use the appropriate websites to gather your information (websites are listed at the end of this document). Get familiar with these websites and use them to gather information anytime you head out to look at the stars. Prepare for observing on the night you choose to actually go out and look at the stars by filling out the tables below. Complete each table, filling in all the empty cells.

1) Sun Rise and Set times

2) Moon

3) Interesting Objects to View

a. Planets

b. Nebulae

c. Star clusters

d. Galaxies

e. Asteroids or Comets

4) Constellations Visible

OBSERVING DATE:

INSERT Day /Month/Year

(Change date for night you actually plan to observe the sky!)