Using Star Charts and Maps
Activity:
Students investigate the information provided on star charts.
Science Standards
Nature of Science and Scientific Models (Scale & Conceptual)
Objectives:
The student will describe the location of objects found on star charts.
The student will use Right Ascension and Declination Coordinates.
The student will identify the following characteristics on star charts:
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brightness of stars
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variable stars
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multiple-star systems
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nebulae
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galaxies
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Messier Objects
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Bayer Star Designations
Materials:
Copies of star charts that include equatorial coordinates and celestial
objects.
Introduction:
RA/Dec. Astronomers locate the position of celestial objects
using a equatorial coordinate system that is similar to the latitude/longitude
system used on Earth. How far an object is above or below the celestial
equator is measured in degrees of Declination. How far east an object is
from the vernal equinox is measured in hours, minutes, and seconds of Right
Ascension. This information is usually provided on star charts.
Alt/Az. Another way to measure the location of an object
from a particular location is by the altitude above the horizon and by
the direction. The direction is measured in degrees clockwise from the
north; this number is called azimuth. This information is rarely provided
on any star charts.
Messier Objects. Comet hunter Charles Messier found that
there were a number of permanently "fuzzy" objects in the sky that repeatedly
interfered with his research. He developed a catalog of 105 objects that
are known as Messier Objects. They are labeled as M1, M2, M3, etc.
Bayer Designation. The brightest stars of a constellation
are labeled using Greek letters as a, b, g, d and so on. The brightest
star is usually a, the next brightest b, to dimmer and dimmer stars.
Directions:
1. Identify how many "things" that can be found on a star chart using
the legend.
2. Find and list and example of each item shown in the legend.
3. Determine the coordinates of the five brightest stars on a chart.
4. Write the directions to find a "mystery object" and ask other students
to locate and identify the object.