do as much as you can, I will add local geographical info later myself.
Project Purpose: The foundations of modern astronomy were developed by people observing everyday phenomena without the aid of advanced technology. This project will allow you to observe the world around you and connect it to the material covered Equipment: ● Paper and pencil for sketching ● A camera (phone camera should work just fine!). If you don’t have a phone with a camera, you may be able to check out a camera at the library. ● If you’re doing the star project, three different colored pencils that are easily distinguishable ● A compass or compass app ● Recommended (especially for the star project): an app such as Stellarium or SkyView for noting the position of stars and planning optimal observing times Project Components: Your final report must be typed, clearly written, and well presented. Clearly label all visuals and carefully edit all written work, including tables, for clarity of communication. All work (words, sketches, and photographs) must be your own. If you use external sources, cite them. Regardless of which option you choose, your final project report needs to include the following clearly labeled sections: ● Observation description: ○ Should specify your observing location and include a table of days, times, and notes from observations. ○ In words, describe what you observed and your personal experience of observing. What surprised or impressed you the most as you performed this observational project? ● Observation sketch(es) and photos: ○ Must include one summary sketch/photo that combines all observations on one page, with different days/times labeled clearly. You can scan this image using a smartphone app such as CamScanner or Google Drive, or take a picture of it, but please review the output to make sure it is clear. ○ At least one photograph of your location. This can be as part of the summary image, or a supplementary photograph. The photo doesn’t have to show the stars or Moon super clearly; i t’s just to give an additional visual of your horizon. ○ On all photos/sketches, directions along the horizon should be labeled clearly (N,S,E, or W). ● Observation explanation: Write at l east one well-written paragraph explaining the astronomical phenomenon that you observed. Your explanation should address the questions specific to your choice of project (see project descriptions). Summary: You will observe and record the variation i n the sunset position along the horizon and interpret this variation i n terms of its effects on the seasons. Needed Supplies: A rt supplies for sketches, digital camera, place to view the horizon. Times of observations: A t l east 7 observations approximately weekly: one observation per week, either at sunrise or sunset. Observation Instructions: 1. Choose your time and location: You can choose to either observe sunsets or sunrises, depending on which works best for your schedule. To follow the seasonal motion of the Sun in this way, it’s best to pick a good observational site—one that gives a fairly clear view to the West in the evening, or East in the morning. You must observe and photograph/sketch the sunset or sunrise from the same location throughout the semester. The horizon does not need to be completely clear, though. In fact some landmarks (trees/buildings) can help you compare your observations. 2. On (or before) your first day of observation, make a sketch or panoramic photograph of the horizon from your chosen observation point. You will mark all of your observations on this main sketch. 3. Make a sketch or use a digital camera to photograph the sunset position with respect to ground features (wait until the Sun is l ow enough to do this accurately and safely). 4. In addition to photographing or sketching the sunset, m ark the position of the Sun on your main sketch/photo, and estimate the number of degrees the Sun has moved from a fixed landmark. The zero point is an arbitrarily chosen ground feature, such as the edge of a tall building. Label the directions on your sketch. Compiling your observations in one sketch will allow you to see the Sun setting in different places along the horizon as the season progresses, as is indicated in the following hypothetical figure: 5. For every observation you should record: (1) the date, (2) the time, (3) the number of degrees the Sun has moved from the reference point, (4) your place of observation, (5) the condition of the sky, and (6) any other pertinent information. Other comments about the weather, unusual conditions, etc., might turn out to be useful later. You should have at least 7 observations, with about a week in between each. Your explanation should address the following questions: 1. Which way was the Sun moving along the horizon? Was its motion uniform or did the rate of motion change with time? Explain. 2. From your observations what can you say about (a) where the Sun rises or sets and (b) the length of the day? 3. How does the altitude of the Sun affect the seasons? Was this effect evident during the semester (e.g., temperature, weather, etc.)? 4. Where did the Sun rise and set on March 20 (the Spring Equinox)? If you didn’t observe on that day, estimate where i t would rise and set based on your other observations. Compare your observation with what you know should happen on equinoxes. 5. Give 2-3 specific examples of how your observations would be different at a couple of different locations on Earth: for example much farther North, in the southern hemisphere, or at the Equator.