Chabot College
Astronomy Courses
Scott Hildreth
These can be turned in anytime, and each is worth up to 25 points or more for
good work; point values are usually decided upon AFTER seeing your work; lots
of effort typically translates into more credit. Check the homework
assignments as well for additional extra credit opportunities.
i. Observational Activity for the Moon
Watch the moon over a month, sketching its position in the sky,
its phase, and orientation in the sky. Because the Moon's rising
and setting times vary, you will need to go out in the evening
for at least 2 weeks while the Moon progresses from waxing crescent
through full phases. After the Moon has passed the full phase,
you might find sketching it in the morning sky will be easier,
and once it passes the third quarter phase, morning observation
will be required. Include at least 10 different observations taken
over the 29 day cycle. Note the times of your observations, and
any other interesting factors.
ii. Observe Jupiter & its Moons over two weeks
If you have a small telescope, or strong binoculars, observe Jupiter
at least five nights, and record the positions of its 4 largest
"Galilean" moons. Make a sketch each night indicating
where the moons are located near the planet.
iii. Start a Sun Journal
Record where the sun rises (or sets, if you aren't a "morning
person"!) and the time. You will need a clear view of the
horizon to observe the sun's rising or setting position. Make
a sketch, and annotate it with the Sun's changing position every
week or so. This project will take you 1-2 months, and you should
observe the Sun at least 2 times/week.
iv. History & Mythology Paper
After reading about constellations and the early history of astronomy, go to
Chabot's library or a local library, and research how a particular culture you
are interested in, or are part of, used astronomy. Develop a short paper, perhaps
1-2 pages, on what you learned from the reference. Remember to include all appropriate
citations! Look at the reference lists at the end of each chapter of the text.
You might also look for back issues of Astronomy magazine, Scientific American,
National Geographic, or look for books on the history of Astronomy. See me if
you would like suggestions of other good books.
v. Are you interested in literature? Poetry? Music? Business? Make a
comprehensive list of all the astronomical references you can find in your favorite
subject. For example, find poems that mention the heavens, sun, moon, stars;
they do not have to specifically about astronomy, like Whitman's "When
I Heard the Learned Astronomer" but just have to have an astronomical theme
woven into their subject. For music, find astronomical references in lyrics
or song titles; if you find an appropriate song, write down the lyric with the
reference. For commerce, find product names that are astronomically oriented,
like "Mars Candy" or "Ford Taurus." Include all appropriate
citations for whatever research you do.
Why do you think astronomy is used as much as it is? Along with
your poems, music, or other sources that involve astronomical
themes, include a 2-3 paragraph essay on why you think astronomy
is incorporated into these forms of expression.
vi. If you are interested in history, consider researching what was going
on in the societies of Aristotle, Pythagoras, Al Sufi (Arabic astronomer of
c960 AD, Copernicus, Brahe, Kepler, Galileo, or Newton. Who had access to learning?
How did that society value science? How do you think the society would have
reacted to their work? A 1-2 page review article, with 1-2 references, will
be worth as much as one homework assignment. Include appropriate citations!
vii. Also in the library are a number of computers that are networked to the
World Wide Web; using Netscape, search the web and visit the home pages
of the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Browse the pictures you find that have to do with our solar system. Write down
the identification number/name of the pictures you find, and tell me which you
liked and why. If you can, analyze the pictures to find features you know or
are curious about! Good luck!
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