Observing Projects: Below is a list of suggestions for observing projects.  If you have another idea please check with me.  I am open to suggestions. 

This class requires 2 observing projects.  These are LAB projects and so will require you to test some hypothesis via experiment or observation.  Once the projects are complete you must turn in a write up.  The project write up will be explained below and in class.  Please ask if you have questions or are unsure how to complete the write up for these projects. 

This observing project is NOT a go-to-the-library-and-do-research project.  It is a lab project designed to get you to do some astronomy.   If you try to turn in a library/internet research project you will get ZERO credit.

1. Chart the location of the sunset or the sunrise over the course of 2 months
2. Estimate the number of stars visible to the naked eye
3. Photograph star-trails
4. Chart the phases of the moon over the course of 1 month
5. Determine the limiting magnitude in a given area
6. Chart the movement of the constellations over the course of 1 month
7. Learn to tell time using Circumpolar stars
8. Learn to estimate stellar magnitudes
9. View features and determine the size of the moon
10. Using Binoculars or a telescope, examine the motion of Jupiter’s moons over the course of at least 1 week.
11. Examine the positions of Venus, Jupiter, or Saturn over the course of a few weeks.
12. Measure the circumference of the Earth using the Eratosthenes method
13. Observe a meteor shower and discuss the causes of what you see
14. Using the method of parallax, measure the distance to several objects of varying distances and examine your data.

Observing Project Description

A105

First- Choose the projects you wish to do and turn in your proposals.  You will receive your proposal and a sheet of directions for each proposal.

Second- go out and DO the projects from the list using the provided sheet of directions.

Third- use the provided sheet of directions as a cover page and turn in your data and conclusions (including the answers to the questions on the cover page). 

Proposal Description

Turn in a sheet of paper stating which of the projects you have chosen to do.  You should have one page for each proposal.  The proposal should contain the number and title of the project as well as a description of how you believe you can complete the project. (You should have a plan for doing each project and I want you to tell us what that plan is.)  The project proposal should not be more than approximately ½ a page.  Each proposal needs to be on SEPARATE sheets of paper.