ASTR 1010L - Introduction to Solar System Astronomy Laboratory
Student Learning Outcomes
Perform astronomical calculations (including Newton’s Laws of Motion and Kepler’s Laws of Planetary Motion) and express their answers using appropriate units and scientific notation.
Analyze the geocentric model of the universe and follow the early methods of measurements (the Earth’s size) based on the astronomical observations and geometrical measurements.
Become familiar with astronomical tools (sky maps and telescopes), their various types and destinies.
Perform astronomical measurements of objects observed in the sky.
Perform and document local sky observations (both by eye and with a telescope) and changes in the sky (seasonal changes caused by the Earth’s orbital motion and daily changes caused by the Earth’s rotational motion) through the celestial objects identification.
Analyze geographical and celestial poles of the Earth (celestial sphere) through the location of North Star in the local sky and analyze magnetic poles of the Earth using the compass.
Analyze the heliocentric model of the universe and perform telescopic observations (plus calculations based on these results) of planetary motion.
Summarize the major planets of the Solar System. scale their sizes and distances to the Sun, understand their properties, and make telescopic observations.
Observe the Moon’s rise and set and relate their observations to the analysis of the relative motion of the Earth-Moon-Sun system.
Observe and analyze the lunar phases and explain eclipse phenomena to the relative motion of the Earth-Moon-Sun system.
Explain the observational effects (the cause of tides) of the relatively short distance between the Earth and the Moon.
Explore the surface of the Moon through astronomical observations and explain why only one of its sides can be observed from the Earth
Visit the planetarium and summarize the basics of the sky-view projection on the dome.
Extend the understanding of annual and daily changes in the sky based on the projections on the planetarium dome.
Perform the sky observations with more professional (than school’s) telescopes and compare their results (CNM telescope and planetarium settled telescope).
Analyze the brightness of observed objects and understand the light pollution problem in astronomical observations.
Understand the basics of our daily time measurements and summarize the origins of time zones.
Participate in the international campaign of searching for the new asteroids.
Explain the observed phenomena caused by Solar System debris.
Course Description This is an optional laboratory course for the exploration of the principles and phenomena discussed in the ASTR 1010 lecture course. This course includes laboratory activities (indoor and outdoor) investigating the properties of objects within our Solar System in addition to an analysis of solar system phenomena. Topics include measuring the properties of solar system objects (their sizes, distances, etc.) analyzing their motions, developing an understanding of the observational effects of Earth’s own motion, and an introduction to the methods employed by astronomers to make new discoveries.
*A working knowledge of basic algebra will be useful in this course. Credits: 1