Baker Lab #1- Constellations

   In this lab, we studied the constellations that we could see with the visible eye. Using an app on our Smartphones called StarChart, we were able to recognize different constellations and planets that would be otherwise unknown. We traveled to Baker Observatory to complete this lab, an Observatory that is around 45 minutes off the Missouri State Campus in Fairgrove, Missouri.

A) Using StarChart:
1. Identified constellations that were visible at the time: Andromeda, Canis Minor, Lepus, Orion, Monoceros, Caelum, and Camelopardalis
2. Constellations of the Zodiac: Aries, Pisces, Cancer, Taurus, Gemini, and Leo.

B) Then we located the moon and answered the following questions.
1. The phase of the Moon was waning gibbous.
2. The approximate azimuth was 214 degrees, and the altitude was 75 degrees.
3. We were able to cover the moon up with the tip of our finger at arm's length with one eye closed.
4. The approximate angular diameter of the moon is 4.5 degrees.
5. It is harder to see the stars next to the moon, because the reflection of light off of its surface creates a glare that blocks out further surrounding bodies that might be producing or reflecting light.
6. We identified the Messier Crater on the surface of the Moon.
7. We identified Mare Imbrium, Oceanus Procellarum, and Mare Tranquilitatis on the surface of the moon.

C) We then located as many planets as we could, and identified the constellations they were in.
1. We viewed Jupiter at 9:42 PM at a 95 degree azimuth and a 30 degree altitude.

D) We then found the Orion Nebula and the Andromeda Galaxy.
1. We were able to see the fuzzy and not "star like" single points of light.
2. They were located at 190 degrees azimuth and 65 degrees altitude.
3. The Andromeda galaxy wasn't very bright, mostly because the distance and moonlight interfered.

F) In this section we scouted out the brightest stars that were visible to the naked eye.
1. The brightest stars were (At 9:57 PM)...
- Polaris- 0 degree azimuth, 35 degree altitude
- Sirius- 185 degree azimuth, 45 degree altitude
- Alioth- 50 degree azimuth, 40 degree altitude
- Capela- 350 degree azimuth, 80 degree altitude
-Rigel- 210 degree azimuth, 40 degree altitude

G) Next, we found Polaris.
1. Polaris was 35 degrees above the horizon at 9:57 PM.
2. The azimuth degree of Polaris was 0 degrees at 9:57 PM.
3. The altitude of Polaris is nearly equal to the latitude of Springfield, Missouri.

   In conclusion, we were able to make certain observations about stars without having to use a telescope. These observations included the azimuth, altitude, and brightness of stars.