There are three projects to be completedand they should be begun as soon as possible. Be sure to include written answers to the questions embedded in the activity.  When you complete each activity, write a short summary of what you have learned in that activity. These actvities are due on November 22.

This activity is designed to give you a vivid perception of the changing sky over one evening and as well as over several months.

1. Go out on a clear evening soon after the stars become visible. Locate the general direction of north and find a bright, easy-to-recognize constellation like Ursa Major or Cassiopeia. It is best to select a constellation low in the northeastern sky, high in the northwestern sky or near the eastern horizon. Look directly below the constellation for an object such as a house, telephone pole, or tree that will help you identify and record the position of the constellation at the time of this observation. Make a sketch of the horizon object and the constellation. Note the time of your observation and also the exact place from which the observation was made.
2. Allow at least two or three hours to pass. Then return to the exact location from which you made your first observation. Repeat your observation adding the new location of the constellation to your picture. (You might want to use a different color ink or pencil for the second sketch.) In which direction did the constellation appear to move? Is this a clockwise or counterclockwise movement? Was this apparent movement due to the earth's rotation about its axis or to the earth's revolution around the sun?
3. Allow at least two months to pass. Then return to the exact location from which you made your first observations and at the same time of night of either the early or late observation. (If we have changed to standard time during the interim, be sure to adjust your time according. If you made your first observation at 10:00 EDT, you should make this one at 9:00 EST.) Add the current location of the constellation to your previous sketch labeling it with the date and time of observation. In which direction did the constellation appear to move? Is this a clockwise or counterclockwise movement? Was this apparent movement due to the earth's rotation about its axis or to the earth's revolution around the sun?

II. OBSERVING THE CHANGING POSITION OF THE SUNSET POINT

This activity is designed to give you an understanding of how the position and time of sunset change throughout the year. The activity requires you to keep a careful record of the sunset position as observed on a skyline panorama for the same exact location over as long a time interval as possible.

1. Find an easily accessible place from which you can see the entire western horizon. Make a detailed sketch of the skyline that extends from northwest to southwest (several photographs may be substituted for a sketch). It is important that all observations be made from this same place.
2. The position and standard time of the setting sun should be recorded on your skyline sketch as accurately as possible at intervals of one week. If it is cloudy on the day you are scheduled to observe, do it on the next clear evening. Be sure to record the date and time at which you made your observation. You should have a minimum of eight observations.
3. In which direction did the sunset point appear to move during the time of observations? How did the length of the day change during the time of observations? How do you think the position and standard time of the rising sun have changed during your observation?

III. OBSERVING THE PHASES OF THE MOON

This activity is designed to give you an understanding of how the position and phase of the moon change over a two week period. The activity requires you to keep a careful record of the moon position as observed on a skyline panorama for the same exact location over the two weeks.

1. Begin this project a few days after a new Moon.  Your observations should be made at sunset or shortly thereafter.    It is important that all observations be made from the same place.  Stand at the same place not just in the same parking lot, for example. Use a full sheet of paper to make a sketch of the position of the Moon relative to buildings, trees, etc. on the horizon.  Also include prominent stars you see near the Moon.  Draw the Moon the shape it appears with the correct apparent size relative to the buildings and trees in your picture.   As best as you can, mark the location of one of the compass points on your drawing (for instance, South or West for the first observation).  Use a compass if you have one.  Write the date and time on your paper.
2. At least four more times during the next two weeks repeat the observation.  If you can show the location of the Moon on the original drawing, draw it in and note the date and time.  If the Moon has moved enough that it no longer appears above the part of the horizon you originally drew, then make a new drawing.   Be sure to mark a compass direction on the new drawing.
3. On one of the nights, repeat the observation after waiting about an hour.  Using the same drawing as the earlier observation, draw in the new position of the Moon and note the time.
4. When you have finished all your observations. Describe in words how the Moon changed position and phase from one night to another.  Look for a pattern in the Moon's behavior and explain that pattern based on the Moon's motion around the Earth.  How would you have to change your observing schedule if you wanted to continued to observe the moon for the next two weeks?

last modified on Friday, August 19, 2005