bsa astronomy merit badge

Photo courtesy of pleiade.org

BSA Astronomy Merit Badge

Schedule

Photo courtesy of apod.nasa.gov

First Night

• Intro to Astronomy Video• PPT Section 1– Proper Clothing, Safe Observing, First Aid– Light & Air Pollution– Tools of the Trade

• Types of Telescopes• Instruments Used With Telescopes• Proper Care and Storage of Telescopes

– Stars & Constellations

• Observation Session

Second Night

• PPT Section 2– Sun– Moon– Planets

• Observation Session

Third Night

• Careers

Star Party!!!

Proper Clothing

• Frequently below freezing

• Thermal Underwear• Warm Pants and Shirt• Heavy Socks• Hat• Gloves (Not to limit

Dexterity)• Winter Coat

Safe Observing

• Methods for Safe Solar and Solar Eclipse Viewing

– Glass or film style filters block 99.999% of light

– Pinhole Projection– Solar Eclipse Glasses

NEVER LOOK AT OR NEAR THE SUN, WITH OR WITHOUT A TELESCOPE OR BINOCULARS, WITHOUT PROPER SOLAR FILTERS IN PLACE!!

•NEVER POINT LASERS AT EYES OR FACE!

First Aid• Hypothermia Due to Being Poorly Clothed• Frostbite• Dehydration• Snake Bites for Desert Areas• Damage to Eyes

Hypothermia• Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when your body

loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Normal body temperature is around 98.6 F (37 C). Hypothermia (hi-po-THUR-me-uh) occurs as your body temperature passes below 95 F

(35 C).• When your body temperature drops, your heart, nervous system and other

organs cannot work correctly. Left untreated, hypothermia eventually leads to complete failure of your heart and respiratory system and to death.

• Hypothermia is most often caused by exposure to cold weather or immersion in a cold body of water. Primary treatments are methods to warm the body back to a normal temperature.

• Be aware of conditions likely to lead to hypothermia.• Know the symptoms of hypothermia.• Get the victim into a warm room or shelter.

Hypothermia Continued...Symptoms

• Shivering• Clumsiness or lack of

coordination• Slurred speech or mumbling• Stumbling• Confusion or difficulty

thinking• Poor decision making, such

as trying to remove warm clothes

• Drowsiness or very low energy

• Apathy, or lack of concern about one's condition

• Progressive loss of consciousness

• Weak pulse• Shallow breathing

Treatment and Prevention• Be gentle. When you are helping a person with hypothermia, handle him or her gently.

Limit movements to only those that are necessary. Don't massage or rub the person. Excessive, vigorous or jarring movements may trigger cardiac arrest.

• Move the person out of the cold. Move the person to a warm, dry location if possible. If you're unable to move the person out of the cold, shield him or her from the cold and wind as much as possible.

• Remove wet clothing. If the person is wearing wet clothing, remove it. Cut away clothing if necessary to avoid excessive movement.

• Cover the person with blankets. Use layers of dry blankets or coats to warm the person. Cover the person's head, leaving only the face exposed.

• Insulate the person's body from the cold ground. If you're outside, lay the person on his or her back on a blanket or other warm surface.

• Monitor breathing. A person with severe hypothermia may appear unconscious, with no apparent signs of a pulse or breathing. If the person's breathing has stopped or appears dangerously low or shallow, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately if you're trained.

• Share body heat. To warm the person's body, remove your clothing and lie next to the person, making skin-to-skin contact. Then cover both of your bodies with blankets.

• Provide warm beverages. If the affected person is alert and able to swallow, provide a warm, nonalcoholic, non-caffeinated beverage to help warm the body.

• Use warm, dry compresses. Use a first-aid warm compress (a plastic fluid-filled bag that warms up when squeezed), or a makeshift compress of warm water in a plastic bottle or a dryer-warmed towel. Apply a compress only to the neck, chest wall or groin. Don't apply a warm compress to the arms or legs. Heat applied to the arms and legs forces cold blood back toward the heart, lungs and brain, causing the core body temperature to drop. This can be fatal.

• Don't apply direct heat. Don't use hot water, a heating pad or a heating lamp to warm the person. The extreme heat can damage the skin or induce cardiac arrest.

DehydrationAstronomical observing seldom ever requires great physical exertion. Thus dehydration for astronomers likely will be caused by neglecting the need for drinking hydrating liquids. Still, You Should Know The Following:

Symptoms:•Dry, sticky mouth•Sleepiness or tiredness — children are •likely to be less active than usual•Thirst•Decreased urine output — no wet diapers for three hours for infants and eight hours or more without urination for older children and teens•Few or no tears when crying•Dry skin•Headache•Constipation•Dizziness or lightheadedness

Treatment and Prevention:

•If any symptoms are discovered rehydrate immediately.

•Remember to drink plenty of fluids during extended observing sessions.

Eye DamageA.K.A. Solar Retinopathy

Symptoms• Immediate

– Often none. No pain, vision loss

• Within Days– Difficulty reading– Bending of straight lines– A dark patch in the vision– Changes to the way colors are

seen

• Long Term– Dark patches persist– 10% have significant loss– Total loss does not occur

Treatment and Prevention• Always use safe observing

methods when viewing eclipses or the sun

• No treatment can improve or speed-up recovery.

http://web.archive.org/web/20011109090415/http://moorfields.org.uk/ef-solret.html

http://web.archive.org/web/20011109090415/http:/moorfields.org.uk/ef-solret.html

FrostbiteSymptoms

• A slightly painful, prickly or itching sensation

• Red, white, pale or grayish-yellow skin

• Hard or waxy-looking skin• A cold or burning feeling• Numbness• Clumsiness due to joint and

muscle stiffness• Blistering, in severe cases

Treatment and Prevention

• Protect your skin from further exposure.

• Gradually warm frostbitten areas.• Don't walk on frostbitten feet or

toes if possible.• Depending on severity see a doctor• Dress in several layers of loose,

warm clothing rather than a single layer.

• Wear a hat that fully covers your ears.

• Wear mittens rather than gloves

Light Pollution

• What is it?– The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA)

defines light pollution as:

“Any adverse effect of artificial light including sky glow, glare, light trespass, light clutter, decreased visibility at night, and energy waste”.

Light Pollution

Air Pollution

• What is it?– Air Pollution is any object or air current, large or

small, which degrades seeing conditions.• What are the effects?– Air pollution will directly effect “seeing”– Atmospheric movement (air currents), particulates

stirred up by wind, exhaust from factories, even heat emitted by a close passer-by will all decrease image contrast.

– Visual and photographic detail suffers.

Tools of the Trade

Telescopes and Light Paths

Telescope Mountings

ALTAZIMUTH

GERMAN EQUATORIAL

EQUATORIAL FORK

DOBSONIAN

Telescope Pros and Cons

Advantages* Easy to use and consistent due to the simplicity of design.* Good for distant terrestrial viewing* Excellent for lunar, planetary and binary stargazing especially with larger apertures* Sealed tube protects optics and reduces image degrading air currents* Rugged, need little or no maintenance

Disadvantages * Generally have small apertures, typically 3 to 5 inches* Less suited for viewing small and faint deep sky objects such as distant galaxies and nebulae* Heavier, longer and bulkier than equivalent aperture reflectors and catadioptrics* Limited practical usefulness* Good-quality refractors cost more per inch of aperture than any other kind of telescope.

Refracting


• Advantages * Easy to use and even construct* Excellent for faint deep sky objects such as remote galaxies, nebulae and star clusters because of their larger apertures for light gathering.* Low in optical irregularities and deliver very bright images* Reasonably compact and portable* A reflector costs the least per inch of aperture compared to refractors and catadioptrics since mirrors can be produced at less cost than lenses

Disadvantages* Generally, not suited for terrestrial applications* Slight light loss due to secondary obstruction when compared with refractors* The tube is open to the air, which means dust on the optics even if the tube is kept under wraps* Reflectors may require a little more care and maintenance

Reflecting


• Advantages* Most versatile type of telescope* Best near focus capability of any type telescope* First-rate for deep sky observing or astrophotography with fast films or CCD's* Excellent for lunar, planetary and binary star observing plus terrestrial viewing and photography* Closed tube design reduces image degrading air currents* Compact and durable

Disadvantages* More expensive than reflectors of equal aperture* Its appearance may not be suited to everybody's taste* Slight light loss due to secondary mirror obstruction compared to refractors

Catadioptric

Other Helpful Instruments...

CCD Cameras Off-Axis Guider Computer

Telrad Green Laser Pointer Filter Wheel

Dew Heater Collimating Laser Dew Shield

Aquarius– Abbreviation: Aqr– Genitive: Aquarii– Translation: The Water Bearer

• Position in the Sky– Right Ascension: 23 hours– Declination: -15 degrees– Visible between latitudes 65 and -90

degrees– Best seen in October (at 9:00 PM)

• Named Stars– SADALMELIK (Alpha Aqr)– Sadalsuud (Beta Aqr)– Sadalachbia (Gamma Aqr)– Skat (Delta Aqr)– Albali (Epsilon Aqr)– Ancha (Theta Aqr)– Situla (Kappa Aqr)

• Messier Objects– M2 (globular cluster)– M72 (globular cluster)– M73 (system or astrerism of 4 stars)

Aries– Abbreviation: Ari– Genitive: Arietis– Translation: The Ram

• Position in the Sky– Right Ascension: 3 hours– Declination: 20 degrees– Visible between latitudes

90 and -60 degrees– Best seen in December (at

9:00 PM)

• Named Stars– HAMAL (Alpha Ari)– Sharatan (Beta Ari)– Mesarthim (Gamma 2 Ari)– Botein (Delta Ari)

Cancer– Abbreviation: Cnc– Genitive: Cancri– Translation: The Crab

• Position in the Sky– Right Ascension: 9 hours– Declination: 20 degrees– Visible between latitudes 90 and

-60 degrees– Best seen in March (at 9:00 PM)

• Named Stars– Acubens (Alpha Cnc)– Altarf (Beta Cnc)– Asellus Borealis (Gamma Cnc)– Asellus Australis (Delta Cnc)– Tegmen (Zeta 1 Cnc)

• Messier Objects– M44 Praesepe, The Beehive

Cluster (open cluster)– M67 (open cluster)

Capricornus– Abbreviation: Cap– Genitive: Capricorni– Translation: The Sea Goat

• Position in the Sky– Right Ascension: 21 hours– Declination: -20 degrees– Visible between latitudes 60 and -

90 degrees– Best seen in September (at 9:00

PM)

• Named Stars– Prima Giedi (Alpha 1 Cap)– Secunda Giedi (Alpha 2 Cap)– Dabih (Beta Cap)– Nashira (Gamma Cap)– Deneb Algedi (Delta Cap)– Alshat (Nu Cap)

• Messier Objects– M30 (globular cluster)

Gemini– Abbreviation: Gem– Genitive: Geminorum– Translation: The Twins

• Position in the Sky– Right Ascension: 7 hours– Declination: 20 degrees– Visible between latitudes 90 and -60

degrees– Best seen in February (at 9:00 PM)

• Named Stars– CASTOR (Alpha Gem)– POLLUX (Beta Gem)– ALHENA (Gamma Gem)– Wasat (Delta Gem)– Mebsuta (Epsilon Gem)– Mekbuda (Zeta Gem)– Propus (Eta Gem)– Propus (Iota Gem)– Tejat Posterior (Mu Gem)– Alzirr (Xi Gem)– Propus (1 Gem)

• Messier Objects– M35 (open cluster)

LeoAbbreviation: Leo– Genitive: Leonis– Translation: The Lion

• Position in the Sky– Right Ascension: 11 hours– Declination: 15 degrees– Visible between latitudes 90 and -65 degrees– Best seen in April (at 9:00 PM)

• Named Stars– REGULUS (Alpha Leo)– DENEBOLA (Beta Leo)– ALGIEBA (Gamma 1 Leo)– Zosma (Delta Leo)– Ras Elased Australis (Epsilon Leo)– Adhafera (Zeta Leo)– Chort (Theta Leo)– Al Minliar al Asad (Kappa Leo)– Alterf (Lambda Leo)– Ras Elased Borealis (Mu Leo)– Subra (Omicron Leo)

• Messier Objects– M65 (spiral galaxy)– M66 (spiral galaxy)– M95 (spiral galaxy)– M96 (spiral galaxy)– M105 (elliptical galaxy)

Libra– Abbreviation: Lib– Genitive: Librae– Translation: The Beam

Balance

• Position in the Sky– Right Ascension: 15 hours– Declination: -15 degrees– Visible between latitudes 65

and -90 degrees– Best seen in June (at 9:00

PM)

• Named Stars– Zuben Elgenubi (Alpha 2 Lib)– Zuben Elschemali (Beta Lib)– Zuben Elakrab (Gamma Lib)– Zuben Elakribi (Delta Lib)– Brachium (Sigma Lib)

Ophiuchus– Abbreviation: Oph– Genitive: Ophiuchii– Translation: The Serpent Holder


degrees– Best seen in July (at 9:00 PM)

• Named Stars– RASALHAGUE (Alpha Oph)– Cebalrai (Beta Oph)– Yed Prior (Delta Oph)– Yed Posterior (Epsilon Oph)– Sabik (Eta Oph)– Marfic (Lambda Oph)

• Messier Objects– M9 (globular cluster)– M10 (globular cluster)– M12 (globular cluster)– M14 (globular cluster)– M19 (globular cluster)– M62 (globular cluster)– M107 (globular cluster)

Pisces– Abbreviation: Psc– Genitive: Piscium– Translation: The Fishes

• Position in the Sky– Right Ascension: 1 hour– Declination: 15 degrees– Visible between latitudes 90

and -65 degrees– Best seen in November (at

9:00 PM)

• Named Stars– Alrisha (Alpha Psc)– Fum al Samakah (Beta Psc)– Torcularis

Septentrionalis (Omicron Psc)

• Messier Objects– M74 (spiral galaxy)

Sagittarius Abbreviation: Sgr– Genitive: Sagittarii– Translation: The Archer


degrees– Best seen in August (at 9:00 PM)

• Messier Objects– M8 The Lagoon Nebula (diffuse nebula)– M17 The Omega, Swan, or Horseshoe

Nebula (diffuse nebula)– M18 (open cluster)– M20 The Triffid Nebula (diffuse nebula)– M21 (open cluster)– M22 (globular cluster)– M23 (open cluster)– M24 Milky Way Patch (star cloud with open

cluster)– M25 (open cluster)– M28 (globular cluster)– M54 (globular cluster)– M55 (globular cluster)– M69 (globular cluster)– M70 (globular cluster)– M75 (globular cluster)

• Scorpius Abbreviation: Sco– Genitive: Scorpii– Translation: The Scorpion


degrees– Best seen in July (at 9:00 PM)

• Named Stars– ANTARES (Alpha Sco)– Graffias (Beta 1 Sco)– Dschubba (Delta Sco)– Sargas (Theta Sco)– SHAULA (Lambda Sco)– Jabbah (Nu Sco)– Grafias (Xi Sco)– Alniyat (Sigma Sco)– Alniyat (Tau Sco)– Lesath (Upsilon Sco)

• Messier Objects– M4 (globular cluster)– M6 The Butterfly Cluster (open cluster)– M7 Ptolemy's Cluster (open cluster)– M80 (globular cluster)

Taurus– Abbreviation: Tau– Genitive: Tauri– Translation: The Bull

• Position in the Sky– Right Ascension: 4 hours– Declination: 15 degrees– Visible between latitudes 90 and -65 degrees– Best seen in January (at 9:00 PM)

• Named Stars– ALDEBARAN (Alpha Tau)– ALNATH (Beta Tau)– Hyadum I (Gamma Tau)– Hyadum II (Delta 1 Tau)– Ain (Epsilon Tau)– ALCYONE (Eta Tau)– Celaeno (16 Tau)– Electra (17 Tau)– Taygeta (19 Tau)– Maia (20 Tau)– Asterope (21 Tau)– Sterope II (22 Tau)– Merope (23 Tau)– Atlas (27 Tau)– Pleione (28 Tau)

• Messier Objects– M1 The Crab Nebula (supernova remnant)– M45 The Pleiades (The Seven Sisters), or Subaru

(open cluster)

Virgo Abbreviation: Vir– Genitive: Virginis– Translation: The Maiden

• Position in the Sky– Right Ascension: 13 hours– Declination: 0 degrees– Visible between latitudes 80 and -80 degrees– Best seen in May (at 9:00 PM)

• Named Stars– SPICA (Alpha Vir)– Zavijah (Beta Vir)– Porrima (Gamma Vir)– Auva (Delta Vir)– VINDEMIATRIX (Epsilon Vir)– Heze (Zeta Vir)– Zaniah (Eta Vir)– Syrma (Iota Vir)– Rijl al Awwa (Mu Vir)

• Messier Objects– M49 (elliptical galaxy)– M58 (spiral galaxy)– M59 (elliptical galaxy)– M60 (elliptical galaxy)– M61 (spiral galaxy)– M84 (elliptical galaxy)– M86 (elliptical galaxy)– M87 Virgo A (elliptical galaxy)– M89 (elliptical galaxy)– M90 (spiral galaxy)– M104 The Sombrero Galaxy (spiral galaxy)

Andromeda– Abbreviation: And– Genitive: Andromedae– Translation: Princess of Ethiopia or

the Chained Lady

• Position in the Sky– Right Ascension: 1 hour– Declination: 40 degrees– Visible between latitudes 90 and -40

degrees– Best seen in November (at 9:00 PM)

• Named Stars– ALPHERATZ (Alpha And)– MIRACH (Beta And)– ALMAAK (Gamma 1 And)– Adhil (Xi And)

• Messier Objects– M31 The Andromeda Galaxy (spiral

galaxy)– M32 Satellite galaxy of Andromeda

(elliptical galaxy)– M110 Satellite galaxy of Andromeda

(elliptical galaxy)

Canes Venatici– Abbreviation: CVn– Genitive: Canum Venaticorum– Translation: The Hunting Dogs

• Position in the Sky– Right Ascension: 13 hours– Declination: 40 degrees– Visible between latitudes 90 and -

40 degrees– Best seen in May (at 9:00 PM)

• Named Stars– COR CAROLI (Alpha 2 CVn)– Chara (Beta CVn)

• Messier Objects– M3 (globular cluster)– M51 The Whirlpool Galaxy (spiral

galaxy)– M63 The Sunflower Galaxy (spiral

galaxy)– M94 (spiral galaxy)– M106 (spiral galaxy)

Cassiopeia– Abbreviation: Cas– Genitive: Cassiopeiae– Translation: Queen of Ethiopia or

Andromeda's Mother

• Position in the Sky– Right Ascension: 1 hour– Declination: 60 degrees– Visible between latitudes 90 and -20

degrees– Best seen in November (at 9:00 PM)

• Named Stars– SHEDIR (Alpha Cas)– Caph (Beta Cas)– Ruchbah (Delta Cas)– Segin (Epsilon Cas)– Achird (Eta Cas)– Marfak (Theta Cas)– Marfak (Mu Cas)

• Messier Objects– M52 (open cluster)– M103 (open cluster)

Coma Berenices– Abbreviation: Com– Genitive: Comae Berenices– Translation: Berenice's Hair


degrees– Best seen in May (at 9:00 PM)

• Named Stars– Diadem (Alpha Com)

• Messier Objects– M53 (globular cluster)– M64 The Blackeye Galaxy (spiral

galaxy)– M85 (elliptical galaxy)– M88 (spiral galaxy)– M91 (spiral galaxy)– M98 (spiral galaxy)– M99 (spiral galaxy)– M100 (spiral galaxy)

Cygnus– Abbreviation: Cyg– Genitive: Cygni– Translation: The Swan or the

Northern Cross

• Position in the Sky– Right Ascension: 21 hours– Declination: 40 degrees– Visible between latitudes 90 and -

40 degrees– Best seen in September (at 9:00

PM)

• Named Stars– DENEB (Alpha Cyg)– ALBIREO (Beta 1 Cyg)– Sadr (Gamma Cyg)– Gienah Cygni (Epsilon Cyg)– Azelfafage (Pi 1 Cyg)– Ruchba (Omega 2 Cyg)

• Messier Objects– M29 (open cluster)– M39 (open cluster)

OrionAbbreviation: Ori

– Genitive: Orionis– Translation: The Great Hunter

• Position in the Sky– Right Ascension: 5 hours– Declination: 5 degrees– Visible between latitudes 85 and -75 degrees– Best seen in January (at 9:00 PM)

• Named Stars– BETELGEUSE (Alpha Ori)– RIGEL (Beta Ori)– BELLATRIX (Gamma Ori)– MINTAKA (Delta Ori)– ALNILAM (Epsilon Ori)– ALNITAK (Zeta Ori)– Nair al Saif (Iota Ori)– SAIPH (Kappa Ori)– Meissa (Lambda Ori)– Tabit (Pi 3 Ori)– Tabit (Pi 2 Ori)– Tabit (Pi 4 Ori)– Tabit (Pi 1 Ori)– Thabit (Upsilon Ori)

• Messier Objects– M42 The Great Orion Nebula (diffuse nebula)– M43 part of the Orion Nebula, de Mairan's Nebula

(diffuse nebula)– M78 (diffuse nebula)

• Perseus Abbreviation: Per– Genitive: Persei– Translation: The Hero


degrees– Best seen in December (at 9:00 PM)

• Named Stars– MIRPHAK (Alpha Per)– ALGOL (Beta Per)– Miram (Eta Per)– Menkib (Xi Per)– Atik (Omicron Per)– Gorgonea Secunda (Pi Per)– Gorgonea Tertia (Rho Per)– Gorgonea Quarta (Omega Per)

• Messier Objects– M34 (open cluster)– M76 The Little Dumbell, Cork, or

Butterfly (planetary nebula)

Ursa MajorAbbreviation: UMa

– Genitive: Ursae Majoris– Translation: The Greater Bear

• Position in the Sky– Right Ascension: 11 hours– Declination: 50 degrees– Visible between latitudes 90 and -30 degrees– Best seen in April (at 9:00 PM)

• Named Stars– DUBHE (Alpha UMa)– MERAK (Beta UMa)– PHAD (Gamma UMa)– MEGREZ (Delta UMa)– ALIOTH (Epsilon UMa)– MIZAR (Zeta UMa)– ALKAID (Eta UMa)

• Messier Objects– M40 Winecke 4 (double star)– M81 Bode's Galaxy or Bode's Nebula (spiral

galaxy)– M82 The Cigar Galaxy (irregular galaxy)– M97 The Owl Nebula (planetary nebula)– M101 The Pinwheel Galaxy (spiral galaxy)– M108 (spiral galaxy)– M109 (spiral galaxy)

Ursa Minor

Abbreviation: UMi– Genitive: Ursae Minoris– Translation: The Lesser Bear

• Position in the Sky– Right Ascension: 15 hours– Declination: 70 degrees– Visible between latitudes 90

and -10 degrees– Best seen in June (at 9:00

PM)

• Named Stars– POLARIS (Alpha UMi)– KOCAB (Beta UMi)– Pherkad (Gamma UMi)– Yildun (Delta UMi)– Pherkad Minor (11 UMi)

Our Solar System

Just The Facts

Equatorial RadiusEnglish: 432,168.6 milesBy Comparison: 109.2 x that of Earth

Equatorial CircumferenceEnglish: 2,715,395.6 milesBy Comparison: 1092 x that of Earth

VolumeEnglish: 338,102,469,632,763,000 mi3

By Comparison: 1,301,018.805 Earths

MassEnglish: 4,385,214,857,119,400,000,000,000,000,000 lbsBy Comparison: 333,060.402 x Earth's

DensityMetric: 1.409 g/cm3

By Comparison: 0.256 that of Earth

Effective TemperatureEnglish: 9939 °F

Spectral Type: G2 V Luminosity: 3.83 x 10 33 ergs/sec.

Age: 4.6 Billion Years

Composition: 92.1% Hydrogen, 7.8%Helium

Rotation Period at Equator: 26.8 days

Rotation Period at Poles: 36 days

Mean Distance to Earth: 149.60 million km (92.96 million mi) (1 astronomical unit)Photo in H-alpha By: Alan Friedman

The Sun

By Compari-SUN

Spectrum Star Temp K Luminosity Mass RadiusG2 The Sun 5,800 1 1 1A0 Sirius A 9,500 63 2.6 2.3K0 Pollux 5,100 0.36 0.83 0.83B8 Rigel 12,500 130 3.5 2.7

Class Temp K Color Example

O 30,000-60,000 Blue Anitak, Mintaka

B 10,000-30,000

Blue-White Rigel, Spica

A 7,500-10,000 White Vega, Sirius

F 6,000-7,500 White Procyon, Canopus

G 5,000-6,000

Yellow-White Capella, The Sun

K 3,500-5,000 Orange Epsilon, Eridanus

M 2,000-3,000 Red Barnard's Star,

Gliese 581

The Sun...Still Continued...

• Effects on Electrical and Comm. Systems

– Electrical Surges– Blown Transformers– GPS Disruption– Other Satellite

Malfunctions

• Effects on Weather

– Increased intensity of Storms

– Aurora Borealis– Cloudiness

Solar Cycle: 11 year cycle in which sunspots are either increasing to a maximum or decreasing to a minimum. The number of sunspots relates to the increase or decrease of solar storms.

What Are Sun Spots????

Sunspots are temporary phenomena on the surface of the Sun (the photosphere) that appear visibly as dark

spots compared to surrounding regions. They are caused by intense magnetic activity, which inhibits convection,

forming areas of reduced surface temperature

The Moon

The Moon•Average Distance from Earth

•English: 238,855 miles•By Comparison: 0.00257 x Earth's Distance from the Sun

•Equatorial Radius•English: 1079.6 miles•By Comparison: 0.2727 x Earth

•Minimum/Maximum Surface Temperature

•English: -387/253 °F

•Orbit:•Factors which keep Moon in Orbit:

•Orbital Velocity•Earth’s Gravity•Transfer of energy occurring during tides

PHASES

OF

THE

MOON

PLANETSTHE 5 MOST VISIBLE

•Average Distance from the Sun• English: 35,983,125 miles

•Equatorial Radius• English: 1,516.0 miles

•Equatorial Circumference• English: 9,525.1 miles

•Mass• Metric: 330,1040,000,000,00

0,000,000,000 kg• By Comparison: 0.055 x

Earth's•Equatorial Surface Gravity• English: 12.1 ft/s2

• By Comparison: If you weigh 100 pounds on Earth, you would weigh 38 pounds on Mercury.

•Minimum/Maximum Surface Temperature• English: -279/801 °F

•Atmospheric Constituents• By Comparison: Earth's

atmosphere consists mostly of N2, O2

MERCURY

VENUS•Average Distance from the Sun

•English: 67,238,251 miles•Equatorial Radius

•English: 3,760.4 miles•Equatorial Circumference

•English: 23,627.4 miles•Mass

•Metric: 4,867,320,000,000,000,000,000,000 kg•By Comparison: 0.815 x Earth

•Equatorial Surface Gravity•English: 29.1 ft/s2

•By Comparison: If you weigh 100 pounds on Earth, you would weigh 91 pounds on Venus.

•Minimum/Maximum Surface Temperature•English: 864 °F

•Atmospheric Constituents•Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen•Scientific Notation: CO2, N2

•By Comparison: Earth's atmosphere consists mostly of N2 and O2.CO2 is largely responsible for the Greenhouse Effect and is used for carbonation in beverages.N2 is 80% of Earth's air and is a crucial element in DNA.

MARS•Average Distance from the Sun



•English: 13,263 miles•Mass

•Metric: 641,693,000,000,000,000,000,000 kg


•By Comparison: If you weigh 100 pounds on Earth, you would weigh 38 pounds on Mars.

•Minimum/Maximum Surface Temperature

•English: -125 to 23 °F•Atmospheric Constituents

•Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen, Argon•Scientific Notation: CO2, N2, Ar

•By Comparison: CO2 is responsible for the Greenhouse Effect and is used for carbonation in beverages.N2 is 80% of Earth's air and is a crucial element in DNA. Ar is used to make blue neon light blubs.

JUPITER•Average Distance from the Sun




•Metric: 1,898,130,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 kg


•By Comparison: If you weigh 100 pounds on Earth, you would weigh 253 pounds on Jupiter.

•Effective Temperature•English: -234 °F

•Atmospheric Constituents•Hydrogen, Helium•Scientific Notation: H2, He

SATURN•Average Distance from the Sun




•Metric: 568,319,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 kg


•By Comparison: If you weigh 100 pounds on Earth, you would weigh about 107 pounds on Saturn (at the equator).

•Effective Temperature•English: -288 °F

•Atmospheric Constituents•Hydrogen, Helium•Scientific Notation: H2, He•By Comparison: Earth's atmosphere consists mostly of N2 and O2.

Careers

“If only I could get paid to have this much fun!”

To Be or Not To Be......an Astronomer?

• Careers– Astronomer – Research Scientist – Astrophysicist – Lunar and Planetary Institute Director – National Radio Astronomy Observatory Director– Observatory Director – Space Sciences Director– Etc.

What would I be doing? -Observe, research, and interpret celestial and astronomical phenomena to

increase basic knowledge and apply such information to practical problems.


• Tasks– Study celestial phenomena, using a variety of ground-based and space-borne

telescopes and scientific instruments.– Analyze research data to determine its significance, using computers.– Present research findings at scientific conferences and in papers written for

scientific journals.– Measure radio, infrared, gamma, and x-ray emissions from extraterrestrial

sources.– Develop theories based on personal observations or on observations and

theories of other astronomers.– Raise funds for scientific research.– Collaborate with other astronomers to carry out research projects.– Develop instrumentation and software for astronomical observation and analysis.– Teach astronomy or astrophysics.– Develop and modify astronomy-related programs for public presentation.


• Tools used in this occupation:– Interferometers — Optical interferometers– Radarbased surveillance systems — Doppler Rayleigh laser imaging

ranging and detecting LIDAR systems; Laser imaging detection and ranging LIDAR systems; Resonance fluorescence laser imaging detection and ranging LIDAR systems

– Spectrographs — High resolution spectrographs; Low resolution imaging spectrographs; Multi-object spectrographs MOS

– Spectrometers — Ebert-Fastie spectrometers; Near-infrared imagers and spectrometers NIRI; Pulsar processors; Wideband pulsar processors

– Telescopes — Automated telescopes; Optical telescopes; Very large array VLA telescopes; Very long baseline array VLBA telescopes


• Technology used in this occupation:– Analytical or scientific software — Adaptive optics AO

simulation software; Software Bisque CCDSoft; Starcal *; Visual Numerics PV-WAVE

– Development environment software — Abstraction plus reference plus synthesis A++; Formula translation/translator FORTRAN; Interface definition language IDL; National Instruments LabVIEW

– Graphics or photo imaging software — Avis Fits Viewer *; IRIS *– Object or component oriented development software — C++;

Python– Word processing software — Microsoft Word

http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-2011.00




• Knowledge– Physics — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their

interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.

– Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

– English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

– Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

– Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

– Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.


• National– Median wages (2009)

• $50.35 hourly, $104,720 annual

– Employment (2008)• 2,000 employees

– Projected growth (2008-2018) • Faster than average (14% to 19%)

– Projected job openings (2008-2018)• 700

– Top industries (2008)• Educational• Services Government

Astronomy Current Events

Astronomy Headlines

First Stereo Images of Entire Sun and Solar Flares

February 11, 2011 | NASA“On February 6th, 2011 NASA’s twin STEREO probes moved into position on opposite sides of the sun, and they are now beaming back uninterrupted images of the entire star—front and back. “For the first time ever, we can watch solar activity in its full 3-dimensional glory,” says Angelos Vourlidas, a member of the STEREO science team at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, DC. Quoted from the NASA press release.”

Astronomy Headlines

A Yellow Dwarf Star with Six Large Planets

February 4, 2011 | NASA“Scientists using NASA’s Kepler, a space telescope, recently discovered six planets made of a mix of rock and gases orbiting a single sun-like star, known as Kepler-11, which is located approximately 2,000 light years from Earth.” Quoted from the NASA press release.

Astronomy HeadlinesHubble Finds a Galaxy 13.2 Billion

Light Years Away

January 26, 2011 | NASA“Astronomers have pushed NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope to its limits by finding what is likely to be the most distant object ever seen in the universe. The object’s light traveled 13.2 billion years to reach Hubble, roughly 150 million years longer than the previous record holder. The age of the universe is approximately 13.7 billion years.” Quoted from the NASA press release.

Astronomy Headlines

Voyager 1 Exits Solar System

December 24, 2010 | NASAThe Voyager 1 spacecraft was launched in September, 1977. It passed by Jupiter in March, 1979, Saturn in November 1980 and is now doing its job of exploring the outer edge of our solar system.

After travelling for 33 years, Voyager 1 is now much farther away from Earth than Pluto.

bsa astronomy merit badge

Self Improvement

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