Sky Familiarization

   The first exercise uses the constellation chart that came in your
lab supplement packet.  Please watch the lab prep video found as
a link on the lab syllabus page or on CD3 before doing the exercise.
While watching the video, have your SFA Star Chart chart handy as
the video compression makes the details of the chart on the computer
screen difficult to see.  I will be using terms that may be unfamiliar to
you, so you may want to make a list of these new terms.  Not only will
this vocabulary list prove useful for this exercise, but the same terms
will appear on Exam 1.  A partial list is below, but you may have
to add others.

Right Ascension - 

Declination - 

Ecliptic - 

Celestial Equator - 

Celestial Meridian - 

   Part 1 imagines that you are outside at night with your SFA Star Chart.
Sky gazing is best done with the use of a good constellation chart, but
the exercise can be completed using only the SFA Star Chart.  It is,
however, much more fun to identify the stars and constellations for yourself
on the nighttime sky.  Begin by finding your meridian for the date
and time you are observing.  Try to use constellations and stars that
are in the early evening sky in answering the questions.
   Part 2 asks specific questions on the use of the SFA Star Chart.
I have a graphic at the end of the exercise that helps place key elements
on the celestial sphere.  It will prove useful to consult this diagram
along with the definitions list you have compiled.  I tried to address
most of the questions of part 2 in the lab prep video, so you may
want to look at the video once again while answering these questions.
   One point of confusion – question 9 is asking a question about the
constellation chart and the right ascension/declination coordinate
system – not a question on history.  I don’t want to know the beginnings
of the system, but where to we start measuring.
   Finally, most people struggle with these concepts on first exposure.
Here is the substance of practical astronomy.  If you want to use
astronomy as a hobby, you will want to know much more about the
topics discussed here.  But also know that we do not dwell on these
topics long either in the lab or in the lecture.  So if you find yourself
over your head here, rest assured that things will get better!