Experiences in Astronomy
Edition: 4
Copyright: 2015
Pages: 232
Edition: 4
Copyright: 2015
Pages: 226
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Experience in Astronomy has been written and organized with the beginning astronomy student, amateur astronomer and stargazer in mind. In this brief book, there are many exercises, data, charts and information that will allow the beginner to “experience” astronomy using hands on observations (unaided eyes, binoculars and telescopes). The book is a foundation for teaching an astronomy laboratory class at an entry college level. There is a section that reinforces astronomy lectures too. The astronomy basics give the student/amateur the interest and desire to expand the field at a future date. Whether it’s for studies in science, personal reasons, or for a stargazing hobby, astronomy is extremely enjoyable, relaxing, educational and fun!
Introduction
Chapter 1: Earth and Sky
Earth and Sky Motions
Celestial Sphere
Ecliptic
North Star
Circumpolar Stars and the North Celestial Pole (NCP)
Sky Motion and Using a Planisphere
Meridian
Planisphere Exercises
Planisphere Activity (Outdoors)
Sky Motion and the Celestial Sphere
Questions for Review
Sky Motion and Using a Star Atlas
Messier Catalog of Deep Sky Objects
Star Atlas Exercise I
Star Atlas Exercise II
Star Atlas (Reference Page)
Sky Motion
Exercise: Star Positions vs. Horizon
Meridian Diagram
Planetary Aspects
Sky Motion and Universal Time (UT)
Time and Astronomy Worksheet
Time and Astronomy Exercise
Star Brightness: Apparent Magnitude
Star Magnitude Exercise (Outdoors)
Visual Magnitude Estimates Exercise: Star Chart for Summer/Autumn
Visual Magnitude Estimates Exercise: Star Chart for Winter/Spring
Visual Magnitude Estimates Exercise: Star Chart for Late Spring
Sky Motion Review Exercises
Astronomers
The Nature of Light
Spectral Analysis
Sky Motion Glossary of Terms
Sky Motion Summary
Chapter 2: Tools of Observation
Binoculars and Telescopes
Binocular Diagrams
A Checklist for Buying Binoculars
Focusing Binoculars
Binocular Exercise (Outdoors)
Telescopes
A Formula for Success in Buying and Using a Telescope
Telescope Optics
The Powers of a Telescope
Eyepiece Designs
Resolving Power: Double Star Exercise (Outdoors)
Double Star Exercise: Autumn/Winter (Outdoors)
Telescope Worksheet (Indoors)
Telescope Worksheet Part II
Accessories for Telescopes
Eyepiece Filters
Solar Observing
Observing the Sun
Field of View Exercise (Outdoors)
Exercise: Determining a Planet's Angular Size (Outdoors)
Telescope Collimation
Telescope Viewing: Tips and Techniques
Polar Alignment
Polar Alignment Exercise (Outdoors)
Telescope Review Exercises
Buying a Telescope
Telescope Summary
Telescope Equations
Chapter 3: Solar System Basics: Moon Phases, Moon Observing, Eclipses, Solar Facts, Meteor Showers, and Planetary Datasheet
Moon Exercises
Lunar Terminology
Moon Phase Diagram
Eclipses
Lunacy: Moon Phase Exercise
First Quarter Moon Exercise
First Quarter Moon Sketch Form
Waxing Gibbous Moon Exercise
Gibbous Moon Sketch Form
Full Moon Exercise
Full Moon Sketch Form
Solar Astronomy
Meteor Showers
Solar System Facts
Chapter 4: Stellar Evolution Astronomy
The Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram and Stellar Evolution
Red Giants and White Dwarfs
In the Fast Lane
Stellar Parallax
Exercises
Star Temperature and Color Exercise
Stellar Evolution and the H-R Diagram
Spectroscopic Parallax
Lifetimes of the Stars: Exercise
Star Formation
Algol "The Demon Star" Exercise
General Relativity
The Milky Way
Chapter 5: Sky Maps & Activities
Observing Log (Form)
Observing Log Sketch Pad
Star Identification Exercise
North Circumpolar Constellations
Summer Constellations
"Summer Triangle" Constellations
Autumn Constellations
Winter Constellations
Spring Constellations
Messier Catalogue
Observing Log (Definitions)
January Skies
February Skies
March Skies
April Skies
May Skies
June Skies
July Skies
August Skies
September Skies
October Skies
November Skies
December Skies
Edmund Mag 5 Star Atlas Maps
Map 1
Map 2
Map 3
Map 4
Map 5
Map 6