Make a Star Wheel info ASTR1 PDF

Preview

Summary

First, you'll need to display (left mouse click) or download (right mouse click) the two parts for your Star Wheel (also known as a planisphere). Make sure your computer can display PDF files; if it can't, download and install the free Adobe Reader.

Part 1, which is the circular sky map...

Description

Make a Star Wheel Before you begin: Create your own editable version of this lab by ● selecting “File” → “Make a copy” to create a new copy in Google Docs, or ● selecting “File” → “Download” to save the document in the file format of your choice.

For this lab activity, you will make your own star wheel and learn how to use it to locate bright stars and constellations in the night sky. 1. Read through and follow these instructions from the Sky and Telescope article “How to Make a Star Wheel the Simple Way.” Be sure to read through the entire article including the second half on “How to use your starwheel.” 2. Here are two videos that show you how to use your star wheel. Be sure to watch both. a. Finding Constellations is a first-person video illustrating how to assemble and use your paper star wheel. b. Make a (Digital) Star Wheel is a screencast video where I show you how to use a simulated star wheel (available here) in case you don’t have access to a printer. 3. Practice using your star wheel to identify bright stars and constellations. Use the questions (and provided answers) below to check your understanding. a. On what date will the bright star Vega be straight overhead at 10p? (July 30) b. The constellation Scorpius will be due south at 9p in what month? (July) c. On October 1, what time will the constellation Leo rise in the east? (2a - 4a) (Still not getting it? Watch this video where I show you how to get the answers above.) 4. Teach a friend or family member how to use your homemade star wheel. Capture a photo of yourself teaching your friend/family about the star wheel and include the picture in the space below.

COMPLETING THE LAB Wait a minute, that’s it? Yes, in this lab, all I am asking you to do is build the star wheel, practice using it on your own, teach someone else how to use it, and then show me a picture of your finished creation. Don’t worry - the lab quiz will ask you specific questions (like Q3 above), which you will have to answer using your star wheel. There’s still some hard stuff to do. :)

1. Submit your completed lab document using your instructor’s online dropbox. 2. Return to the course and complete the lab quiz to demonstrate your understanding....