Introduction
On February 17, we went to the Baker Observatory outside of Fair Grove, Missouri. In this lab, we were tasked with observing and commentating on the features of the night sky that is visible to the naked eye.
Procedures
As an aid to observe the constellations and such, the StarChart app was utilized, as well as a compass and a human fist.
Results and Discussion
A)
- Using StarChart on your phone, identify as many constellations as you can that are currently visible. Mark them for later reference.
We found Perseus, Orion, Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Andromeda, Leo, and Cassiopeia.
2. Find the constellations of the zodiac.
We were able to find Orion and Leo.
B)
- Locate the moon if it is visible. What is the phase of the moon?
The phase of the moon is waxing gibbous.
2. What is its approximate altitude and azimuth?
The approximate altitude and azimuth are 180̊ south, 70̊ up.
3. Can you cover it up with the tip of your finger, at arm’s length with one eye closed?
Yes.
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?
Around 2̊.
5. Is it easier or harder to see stars next to the Moon?
It’s harder to see the stars that are nearer to the Moon.
6. Why might that be?
The sunlight reflecting off of the moon is polluting the area around the Moon, making it harder to see the surrounding stars.
7. What craters can you identify?
It’s impossible to identify any without the aid of a telescope, but with a telescope we were able to find Plato.
8. What maria can you identify?
The Mare Imbrium was identifiable.
C)
- Locate as many planets as you can and identify the constellations they are in. At approximately what altitude and azimuth angles are they located at? What is the time of your observations?
We were able to observe Uranus and Jupiter. Jupiter was viewed at 8:43 PM, at an altitude of 7 degrees, and an azimuth of 25 degrees NE, and was in Leo. Uranus was viewed at 8:45 PM, at an altitude of 19 degrees, and an azimuth of 255 degrees SW, and was in Cetus.
D)
- If they are visible, Find the Orion nebula and the Andromeda galaxy. Were you able to see that they are “fuzzy” and and not “star like” single points of light?
Yes.
2. At approximately what altitude and azimuth angles are they located at? What is the time of your observations?
The Andromeda Galaxy was observed at 8:53 PM, and was at an altitude of 30 degrees, and an azimuth of 225 degrees SW. The Orion Nebula was observed at 8:55 PM, and was at an altitude of 30 degrees, and an azimuth of 210 degrees SW.
3. When you looked at the Andromeda Galaxy, you were seeing the light of 100 billion stars. Could you tell? Was it really bright? If not, why not?
No, it was pretty hard to tell. It wasn’t very bright because of how staggeringly far away it is.
E)
- Identify five of the brightest stars in the sky right now by name. What are their approximate altitudes and azimuth angles and what time did you make the observations?
Sirius was observed at 8:58 PM at an altitude of 30 degrees, and an azimuth of 150 degrees SE. Betelgeuse was observed at 8:59 PM at an altitude of 60 degrees, and an azimuth of 217 degrees SW. Capella was observed at 9:01 PM at an altitude of 20 degrees, and an azimuth of 282 degrees NW. Rigel was observed at 9:03 PM at an altitude of 40 degrees, and an azimuth of 173 degrees SE. Procyon was observed at 9:04 PM at an altitude of 50 degrees, and an azimuth of 116 degrees SE.
F)
- Find Polaris. To the nearest two degrees, how many degrees above the horizon is it (altitude)?
Polaris is 36 degrees above the horizon.
- What is the azimuth angle of Polaris?
The azimuth angle of Polaris is 350 degrees NE.
- How does that compare to the latitude of Springfield (37.1950̊ North)
They are fairly comparable, as they are within 2 degrees of each other.
Conclusion
I learned a lot about the context of the stars, planets, and constellations, and how their positions are measured in the sky.
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