Astronomy 112

Fall Quarter 2007

Astronomy Observing Journal

1) The waxing moon: This quarter the moon will be waxing on September 11-September 26, October 11-October 26, and November 9-November 24. I would like you to observe the waxing moon during one of these time periods for four consecutive nights. You will want to observe the moon at the same time of night and take note of the moons motion relative to the background stars as the nights go by. In your write up, record the observation time, identify what constellations* the moon is closest to on each night and describe the moon's direction of motion relative to the background stars. In addition to describing how you observed the moon to move in the night sky, explain why the moon moves as it does. Please include a sketch to clarify your descriptions and explanation.

2) Prominent planets: This quarter we have the opportunity to see several planets in the night sky. I would like you to find as many planets as you can and state what constellation they are closest to. You will want to include the date and time that you observed the planets. A picture can also be useful for this exercise.

3) Motion of the Sun: On three occasions this quarter I would like you to observe the location on the horizon that the sun sets. To observe the motion of the sun, each of your observations should be from the same spot on the Earth approximately three weeks apart. For your journal entry, I would like you to tell me the dates you observed the sunsets as well as your location. Please include a sketch of the horizon and the location of the sun on each observation date. Lastly, describe the motion of the sunset locations and explain why the sunset locations move as they do.

4) Motion of the Stars: On three occasions this quarter I would like you to observe the location of the constellation Cygnus. Like the sun, make your observations from the same location on the Earth approximately three weeks apart at 8:00 p.m. in the evening. For each viewing of Cygnus, make a sketch of the constellation and take note of how high (use the guide in the textbook pg. 7, fig. 1-10 to put this height into degrees) the constellation is above the horizon. Figure out the directions (North, South, East, and West) at your location and include in your sketch of Cygnus the direction you are facing when viewing the constellation straight on. How has the location of Cygnus changed during the quarter? How do we explain this changing position of Cygnus?

5) Your journal will be due on Wednesday November 28^th.

* Note: You may use the Starry Night Program to help you identify constellations and the locations of planets but make sure to reference your use of this program in your journal write-up.

Quote from a student in Spring ‘02, “This has to be the most interesting project I’ve done in school yet!!”

Student in Winter ‘03, “Very educational assignment…I thoroughly enjoyed this assignment.”

Fall ’05, “Loved this project!! Thanks for forcing me into the Universe!!”