Baker Lab No. 1 – Constellations

Seth Dowler

Baker Lab No. 1 – Constellations

Abstract

The experiment was performed primarily via observation of the night sky via our eyes only, as well as through consultations of star charts as well as free apps such as Star Chart [available here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/star-chart/id345542655?mt=8]. Through these we observed stars and constellations. Lastly, we observed some planets and formations through a telescope.

Introduction

Like those in the ancient world, we used our eyes to observe the constellations for most of the experiment. In this lab the focus is to identity various stars and their constellations, as well as various technical aspects such as their azimuths and altitudes.

Procedures

Students utilized the help of the previously mentioned star charts (physical), Star Chart (cellular app), and  a small telescope. Through these materials the following questions were answered.

(For the questions involving altitude and azimuth, the answers were estimated by measuring with our fingers. A diagram detailing these angles follows:

Altitude were estimated by how high up in the sky a single point/star was in comparison to the degree it would be if it were lying on the horizon. Azimuth was found by estimating the location of the star in relation to its coordinate location – starting due north, one goes clockwise to determine the angle at which the point lies (if it is nearly due east, for example, the coordinate could be measured at 87 degrees).]

Results and Discussion

A) Using the app Star Chart [additional procedure: load the app, then point your phone’s camera at the sky and wave it around in order to view various light formations in the night sky]:

1. Identify as many constellations as you can that are currently visible. Mark them for later reference.

The constellations we were able to identify include Canis Major, Canis Minor, Ursa Major, Cassiopeia, Lupus, Cephius, Cancer, and Pisces.

2. Identify the constellations of the Zodiac.

These constellations include Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, and Leo.

B)

1. What is the phase of the moon?

The moon is in its waxing gibbous phase.

2. What is its approximate altitude and azimuth?

Its altitude is approximately 75 degrees.

Its azimuth is about 205 degrees S.

3. Can you cover it up with the tip of your finger, at arm’s length with one eye closed?

You can!

4. Knowing that the width of your finger is approximately two degrees when held at

arm’s length, what is the approximate angular diameter of the moon?

The diameter seems to be at about 2 and a half degrees.

5. Is it easier or harder to see stars next to the Moon? Why might that be?

It’s more difficult to see stars next to the Moon. This is similar to why it’s hard to see stars at night in the city. Essentially, the moon is too bright and overpowers the light of the surrounding stars.

6. What craters can you identify?

Through the slight blur of my old pair of glasses, I think I saw the Messier crater complex.

7. What maria  can you identify?

It seemed that the maria Nubium, Imbrium, and Serenitatis were visible to the naked eye.

A map to supplement the Star Chart usefulness:

C) Locate as many planets as you can, and identify the constellations they are in.

1. At approximately what altitude and azimuth angles are they located at? What is the time of your observations?

The only visible planet was Jupiter. At 9:42, its altitude was estimated at 25, and its azimuth at 80 NE.

D) If they are visible, Find the Orion nebula and the Andromeda galaxy.

1. Were you able to see that they are “fuzzy” and and not “star like” single points of light?

Yes we were.

2. At approximately what altitude and azimuth angles are they located at? What is the time of your observations?

The Orion nebula is at roughly 30 degrees altitude, 200 degrees SW azimuth, 9:50 PM.

The Andromeda galaxy is also at roughly 30 degrees altitude, 250 degrees W, 9:50 PM.

3. When you looked at the Andromeda Galaxy, you were seeing the light of a 100 billion stars. Could you tell? Was it really bright? If not, why not?

I couldn’t tell it was very bright; there’s a great distance from our solar system to the Andromeda Galaxy for it to be that impressive, especially on nights of low visibility.

E. [questions concerning the Milky Way – omitted because of low visibility]

F. Identify five of the brightest stars in the sky right now by name. Keep in mind the brightest star in any one constellation can still be fainter than the second or even third brightest star in another constellation.

Times of observation are all 9:55 PM:

Sirius       -  35 degrees altitude, 165 degrees SE azimuth

Capella    -  50 degrees alt., 300 degrees W az.

Alioth      -  50 degrees alt., 40 degrees W az.

Rigel        -  40 degrees alt., 180 degrees S az.

Procyon   -  60 degrees alt., 120 degrees SE az.

G) Find Polaris.

1. To the nearest two degrees, how many degrees above the horizon is it (altitude)?

Polaris was 35 degrees above the horizon at 9:57PM.

2. What is the azimuth angle of Polaris?

The azimuth angle of Polaris was 0 degrees at 9:57PM.

3. How does that compare to the latitude of Springfield (-37.1950 Degrees North)

The altitude of Polaris is almost exactly the same as that of Springfield, MO.

Conclusion

This lab was performed in order to further our understanding of the physical locations of various stars, constellations, and planets through practical application. We used our own eyes and minds in order to guess the approximate locations of the formations, and star charts – physical and those included in software applications – in order to check our findings. So we developed our skills in this regard, while at the same time furthering our appreciation of those who practiced astronomy before the inventions of modern technology.