AstronomyTeacher
News articles and posts about astronomy and astronomy educationFriday, December 31, 2004
Free ZIP Code Lookup with area code, county, geocode, MSA/PMSA.
This is surprisingly hard to find. Most map sites like Yahoo and Mapquest don't provide this information, last time I checked.
Free ZIP Code Lookup with area code, county, geocode, MSA/PMSA.
Free ZIP Code Lookup with area code, county, geocode, MSA/PMSA.
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Giant Telescope Will Keep An Eye On Planets In Other Solar Systems
New giant telescope planned
This is the latest design: segmented telescopes. Each mirror is adjusted independently.
Giant Telescope Will Keep An Eye On Planets In Other Solar Systems
This is the latest design: segmented telescopes. Each mirror is adjusted independently.
Giant Telescope Will Keep An Eye On Planets In Other Solar Systems
Russia to Stop Giving Free Trips to US Astronauts - NEWS - MOSNEWS.COM
The length of the day has just changed due to quake
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
MSNBC - Back to the future frontier
Monday, December 27, 2004
Cassini snaps Huygens
I don't recall when I saw a space probe take a picture of another probe before. Not counting Apollo.
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Cassini's goodbye Huygens picture
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Cassini's goodbye Huygens picture
2004 MN4 Impact Risk now at 2.7%
Don't forget, this is still a 97.3% chance it won't collide.
More observations are being collected almost daily.
2004 MN4 Impact Risk
More observations are being collected almost daily.
2004 MN4 Impact Risk
Sunday, December 26, 2004
Jokes and Science: Astronomy Jokes and Space Explorers
My favorite:
I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use.
– Galileo Galilei
The joke page is interspersed with little lessons about astronomy. A lot of them have to do with our current unit of study.
Jokes and Science: Astronomy Jokes and Space Explorers
I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use.
– Galileo Galilei
The joke page is interspersed with little lessons about astronomy. A lot of them have to do with our current unit of study.
Jokes and Science: Astronomy Jokes and Space Explorers
Impact probability approaching 4%
The Torino scale is defined on this page. If you're doing a report on asteroids, I'd include it in your PowerPoint after we get back.
Note that the graph scales are logarithmic. This means that the values that are not zero are actually very small compared to the size of the zero area. On a linear scale, the nonzero values would be very small and in the upper right hand corner.
Asteroid 2004 MNH could hit or miss Earth in 2029
Note that the graph scales are logarithmic. This means that the values that are not zero are actually very small compared to the size of the zero area. On a linear scale, the nonzero values would be very small and in the upper right hand corner.
Asteroid 2004 MNH could hit or miss Earth in 2029
Thursday, December 23, 2004
RedNova News - Scientist: Asteroid May Hit Earth in 2029
The odds are 300 to 1 AGAINST it hitting, but that's enough to make some observatories dedicate observing time to narrow down the measurement error.
I guess this is a case where sloppy work and "close enough" just don't cut it, huh?
Seriously, don't lose any sleep on this one. Yet.
RedNova News - Scientist: Asteroid May Hit Earth in 2029
I guess this is a case where sloppy work and "close enough" just don't cut it, huh?
Seriously, don't lose any sleep on this one. Yet.
RedNova News - Scientist: Asteroid May Hit Earth in 2029
Mars Volcanoes Possibly Still Active, Pictures Show
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Mystery Object Orbits Earth
Happy Summer Solstice
That is, of course, if you live in Australia instead of where we live.
"Australia is an all-year-round destination, but during the summer, December to February, it is hot in Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland."
More here...Seasons to Visit Australia - Downunder and the South Pacific - Goway Travel Experiences
"Australia is an all-year-round destination, but during the summer, December to February, it is hot in Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland."
More here...Seasons to Visit Australia - Downunder and the South Pacific - Goway Travel Experiences
GALEX
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Gemini Observatory views of Titan
Titan is beginning to show details. This was tken, surprisingly, from the earth at the new Gemini telescope at Mauna Kea.
Gemini Observatory
Gemini Observatory
Are you an Ophiuchi?
This article mentions the 13th zodiac constellation.
RedNova News - Earth Enjoying A Breeze from the Stars
RedNova News - Earth Enjoying A Breeze from the Stars
Sunday, December 19, 2004
Astronomy Picture of the Day
Huygens lands on Titan next week:
This is the picture of the day for Sunday, December 19. If you follow this link later, you'll have to pick that date from the archive to see the painting showing an artists' conception of the probe landing on Titan.
Astronomy Picture of the Day
This is the picture of the day for Sunday, December 19. If you follow this link later, you'll have to pick that date from the archive to see the painting showing an artists' conception of the probe landing on Titan.
Astronomy Picture of the Day
Superlightning on Saturn
All of the gas giants have lightning--but Cassini shows that Saturn's is up to 1,000,000 times stronger than Earth's. Wow!
Xinhua - English
Xinhua - English
Saturday, December 18, 2004
NASA SHARP - Summer High-School Apprenticeship Research Program
One of my former students, Brad Applin, did this program, and says: "It's easy to get in. They're looking for people who are interested in science but you don't have to know anything when you arrive."
It's an internship so you actually get paid to attend. Deadline for applications is February 14. The nearest NASA center to us is Ames, in Mountain View (in the southwest San Francisco Bay Area.)
Brad is now an aerospace engineering major at San Luis Obispo, and says the program was worth the time and effort of applying.
Each year, approximately 400 students will be selected to participate in NASA SHARP for a minimum of eight weeks during the summer. Students will work with mentors on NASA-related content at NASA Field Installations and universities. NASA's ultimate goal is to contribute to strengthening the Agency's and the nation's ability to recruit and sustain a more diverse workforce by preparing students for careers in STEM fields through successful programs like NASA SHARP.
While a NASA SHARP Apprentice, students have the opportunity to:
Conduct meaningful research
Earn a salary for their services
Develop and enhance their oral and written communication skills
Expand their computer skills
Develop their leadership skills
Develop and prepare written technical reports and abstracts
Interact with students from diverse cultural backgrounds
Participate in numerous enrichment activities (e.g., seminars, visits to scientific organizations, visits to major colleges and universities, etc.)
NASA SHARP - Summer High-School Apprenticeship Research Program
It's an internship so you actually get paid to attend. Deadline for applications is February 14. The nearest NASA center to us is Ames, in Mountain View (in the southwest San Francisco Bay Area.)
Brad is now an aerospace engineering major at San Luis Obispo, and says the program was worth the time and effort of applying.
Each year, approximately 400 students will be selected to participate in NASA SHARP for a minimum of eight weeks during the summer. Students will work with mentors on NASA-related content at NASA Field Installations and universities. NASA's ultimate goal is to contribute to strengthening the Agency's and the nation's ability to recruit and sustain a more diverse workforce by preparing students for careers in STEM fields through successful programs like NASA SHARP.
While a NASA SHARP Apprentice, students have the opportunity to:
Conduct meaningful research
Earn a salary for their services
Develop and enhance their oral and written communication skills
Expand their computer skills
Develop their leadership skills
Develop and prepare written technical reports and abstracts
Interact with students from diverse cultural backgrounds
Participate in numerous enrichment activities (e.g., seminars, visits to scientific organizations, visits to major colleges and universities, etc.)
NASA SHARP - Summer High-School Apprenticeship Research Program
NSIP - NASA Student Involvement Program
If you enter any of these contests, this can be a major project for you or a team.
NSIP - NASA Student Involvement Program
NSIP - NASA Student Involvement Program
Summer Astronomy Camp in Pennsylvania
Friday, December 17, 2004
RedNova News - Cassini Examines Saturn's Moon, Dione
Minimum day: time travel
We'll explain the basics of the theory of time travel.
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Mars water tops science honours
Article lists the top 10 science discoveries of the year according to Science Magazine.
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Mars water tops science honours
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Mars water tops science honours
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
Another telescope buyer's guide
MSNBC - Your guide to buying a telescope (or not)
A good common sense guide to making a telescope buying decision, should one come up during a nearby holiday.
MSNBC - Your guide to buying a telescope (or not)
MSNBC - Your guide to buying a telescope (or not)
Work on powerpoints
Work on powerpoints
Homer Hickam
Please read this. Please.
Homer Hickam official Web site - October Sky/Rocket Boys, The Keeper's Son.
Homer Hickam official Web site - October Sky/Rocket Boys, The Keeper's Son.
Homer Hickam official Web site - October Sky/Rocket Boys, The Keeper's Son.
Homer Hickam's web site...learn more about the Rocket boys, the sequel to October Sky, and more.
Homer Hickam official Web site - October Sky/Rocket Boys, The Keeper's Son.
Homer Hickam official Web site - October Sky/Rocket Boys, The Keeper's Son.
Monday, December 13, 2004
Begin watching October Sky
With some notes provided by the sub.
We'll finish the movie when we have time...
We'll finish the movie when we have time...
Winter solstice
The ESPACE Academy wants to wish everyone a happy winter solstice. Winter officially begins at 10:35 AM on December 21st.
Sunday, December 12, 2004
PhysOrg: The best meteor shower of 2004 peaks on Dec. 13th
This article discusses how to observe the annual Geminid meteor shower. It happens on Monday night/Tuesday morning, requires a clear, dark sky, and no telescope is required.
Observations of meteors count toward your requirements, up to 20 observations if you include date, time, place, and can identify the direction and location of the meteor in the sky. (Examples: Altitude 20 degrees in the southeast proceeding overhead towards the west, starting in Gemini and passing through Taurus, etc.)
PhysOrg: The best meteor shower of 2004 peaks on Dec. 13th
Observations of meteors count toward your requirements, up to 20 observations if you include date, time, place, and can identify the direction and location of the meteor in the sky. (Examples: Altitude 20 degrees in the southeast proceeding overhead towards the west, starting in Gemini and passing through Taurus, etc.)
PhysOrg: The best meteor shower of 2004 peaks on Dec. 13th
Saturday, December 11, 2004
Walter Lewin Explains His APOD Mystery
We saw this picture of the day a while back, posted as a mystery. The answer has been revealed.
Walter Lewin Explains His APOD Mystery
Walter Lewin Explains His APOD Mystery
Thursday, December 09, 2004
Work on planet reports.
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Planet reports
Planet reports defined. Due next week, around Wednesday.
Do you need an internet sticker? We give you permission slips.
Planet reports should include the following items of information:
Planet name
Symbol
Discoverer and date of discovery (if any)
Space Probe list (dates, country, probe name, type (flyby, orbiter, lander)
Pictures (3+) with URL or source credit on each picture
Semimajor axis of orbit* AU, how long would it take to drive there at 60 mph
eccentricity* -flat or circular or in between
density* - compare to rock, water
unique characteristic
temperature * F or C, state the scale, if a range, state the range
orbital period* earth years (Your age if you lived there)
diameter* km, compare to earth
mass* - kg, compare to earth
composition - what is the atmosphere made of, what is the surface made of. Available info varies greatly.
surface gravity - Use Gm/r^2, compare to earth at 9.8 m/s/s
perihelion distance* AU
aphelion distance* AU
Value: 40 points
CITE ALL REFERENCES. Photos should be given URL in the caption. All other references--page specific with no clicking--on the last slide. DO NOT CITE "nineplanets.org" without giving specific URL of the page and the date. Treat other references as MLA format, give title, author, publisher, date, page.
Rubric
5 ; can answer questions about the values stated, all values included, sources cited, presentation organized.
4: Presentation is complete, but missing one major component; responds to most questions; partly organized
3: Presentation is mostly complete but what is done is done adequately, several errors or missing pieces of information; cannot answer all questions asked; little or no organization; file is not in correct location on server
2: Incomplete, unorganized, but shows some information that is correct
1: No information displayed correctly, cannot interpret but assignment attempted
0: Did not present
Do you need an internet sticker? We give you permission slips.
Planet reports should include the following items of information:
Planet name
Symbol
Discoverer and date of discovery (if any)
Space Probe list (dates, country, probe name, type (flyby, orbiter, lander)
Pictures (3+) with URL or source credit on each picture
Semimajor axis of orbit* AU, how long would it take to drive there at 60 mph
eccentricity* -flat or circular or in between
density* - compare to rock, water
unique characteristic
temperature * F or C, state the scale, if a range, state the range
orbital period* earth years (Your age if you lived there)
diameter* km, compare to earth
mass* - kg, compare to earth
composition - what is the atmosphere made of, what is the surface made of. Available info varies greatly.
surface gravity - Use Gm/r^2, compare to earth at 9.8 m/s/s
perihelion distance* AU
aphelion distance* AU
Value: 40 points
CITE ALL REFERENCES. Photos should be given URL in the caption. All other references--page specific with no clicking--on the last slide. DO NOT CITE "nineplanets.org" without giving specific URL of the page and the date. Treat other references as MLA format, give title, author, publisher, date, page.
Rubric
5 ; can answer questions about the values stated, all values included, sources cited, presentation organized.
4: Presentation is complete, but missing one major component; responds to most questions; partly organized
3: Presentation is mostly complete but what is done is done adequately, several errors or missing pieces of information; cannot answer all questions asked; little or no organization; file is not in correct location on server
2: Incomplete, unorganized, but shows some information that is correct
1: No information displayed correctly, cannot interpret but assignment attempted
0: Did not present
Planetarium training
Planetarium training today in the planetarium from 6-7 PM. If you're going to be a planetarium assistant you need to learn your constellations. Also good training for getting your observing checklist done. Attending trainings is the best way to get in on the planetarium project.
We will be attempting to memorize about 20 constellations and star names tonight.
We will be attempting to memorize about 20 constellations and star names tonight.
Friday, December 03, 2004
Plan a space mission
In this lesson we learn how to plan a mission to Mars, figure out the departure and arrival dates. Your assignment: design a space mission to any other planet.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Planetarium show
We visit the planetarium to see a show about the planets. It'll be a tight fit in a warm room, but we'll give it a whirl.
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