Constellation Identification
On page 139 of your lab manual, you'll find a night lab called
Constellation identification. This is one of, if the, most
interesting labs we have. And once you've done it, you can show
off to your friends by pointing out stars and constellations.
(No, really, this impresses people.) Here are my requirements
for you to complete this lab:
- Identify 10 of the 15 constellations listed
- The bright stars in each you identify (hint:
constellations with bright stars are usually easier to find!)
- Identify any planets that are up. You may ignore Uranus,
Neptune, Pluto and the asteroids. (Can you tell me why?)
- Point out the celestial equator, the merdian and the
ecliptic.
- And finally, 3 of the 4 last objects on page 141 (Pointer
Stars, Pleiades, Hyades, Great Nebula in Orion)
Additionally
This counts as a full lab! So I'm requiring a short write-up.
Namely, I want you to pick 4 of the constellations (not
necessarily ones you've identified). Write about half a page
for each on:
- The story behind the constellation (if you want to seek
out non-European myths and stories, that's wonderful)
- Tell me what interesting stars or objects are in the
constellation right now (planets, galaxies, nebulae, etc).
You might find the following sites helpful:
Also, John has a couple of books that have some background. Or,
consult your library. Many of the Greco-Roman stories behind
most of these constellations are easy to locate in various
mythology books or classical sources, for anyone who really
wants to get into this. (You're not required or expected to find
these sources, of course.)
John Weiss
Last modified: Mon Apr 22 19:46:45 MDT 2002