PHYS110-Fall2021-Lab2(1)
.docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
University of North Dakota *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
110
Subject
Astronomy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
Pages
5
Uploaded by MinisterCaribou3684
Name:_______________Bryer Strom___________________________
Date:_________________
PHYS 110L
Lab # 2
Observing the Motion of Constellations
1
Equipment:
access to
http://www.heavens-above.com
Instructions:
Please read and follow the steps described below
and answer
all
questions. For questions that ask you to estimate
the location of the Sun, please use your eyes only (no need to
measure things precisely with a ruler).
Part #1 Computer Simulation Setup
Step 1. Go to the website:
https://www.heavens-above.com/
Step 2. Under the
Configuration
section, click on the
Change
your observing location
link.
Step 3. Scroll down the page to the
Enter place to search for
box and type in your location
(
e.g.
Grand Forks, North Dakota). Click the
Search
button and your location should be displayed
on the map. If not, please enter your latitude and longitude in the available boxes.
Step 4. Once your location is set, click the
Update
button near the bottom of the webpage. This
action will take you back to the main page with your location and time set in the box at the upper
right of the page.
Step 5. Under the
Astronomy
section, click the link
Interactive Sky Chart
. This will give you a
star chart displaying of the visible stars, planets, and Sun that are currently located above your
position. Notice that the star charts are set such that north is towards the top and west is to the
right, which is different than a map of the United States.
Part #2 Exploration
1 Modified from
Engaging in Astronomical Inquiry
, by S. J. Slater, T. F. Slater, and D. J. Lyons, 2010, W. H. Freeman
and Company.
1
Learning Objectives:
In this lab assignment you
will conduct a series of
inquiries about the
position and motion of
constellations using
simulations. You will learn
how different stars are
visible at different times
of the year and in different
locations in the sky.
Question 1:
When you first turn on the star map, the yellow dot marking the Sun is probably
visible (if not, change the time until it is above the south-western horizon). When changing the
date or month you may need to click the
Update
button. If you were to go outside right now
,
could you see stars shown on the map? Explain
why or why not.
No, its not dark enough yet.
Question 2:
Which constellation of stars is the Sun closest to?
Libra
Question 3:
If you increase the time by one hour
, remembering to use a 24-hour clock, toward
which direction does the Sun move (North, South, East, West)?
West, towards your right.
Question 4:
Now, one hour
later than when you started, which constellation of stars is the Sun
now closest to?
Libra
Question 5:
If you advance the time to sunset, which constellation of stars is the Sun closest to at
sunset
?
Libra
Question 6:
Advance the time to sunrise, which constellation of stars is the Sun closest to at
sunrise
?
Libra
Question 7:
What generalization statement, in a complete sentence, can you make about how the
Sun and the stars appear to move together in the sky?
2
When the sun moves, the stars move with it.
Part #3 Does the Evidence Match the Conclusion?
Step 6. Consider the research question
, “Which direction does the Sun move compared to the
background constellations?” Set the star map to noon today
.
Question 8:
If you could see the stars hidden behind the brilliantly shining Sun, to which
constellation of stars is the Sun closer?
Libra.
Question 9:
Using the sky chart, which constellation of stars is the Sun closest to tomorrow
?
Libra
Question 10:
Using the sky chart, which constellation of stars is the Sun closest to one week
later
?
Libra or Scorpius
Question 11:
Using the sky chart, which constellation of stars is the Sun closest to two weeks
from now
?
Scorpius
Question 12:
Using the sky chart, which constellation of stars is the Sun closest to three weeks
from now
?
Scorpius
Question 13:
Using the sky chart, which constellation of stars is the Sun closest to one month
from now
?
3
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help