Lab 5 - Observing II: The Spring Sky
Despite the rain, the late winter
and early spring skies present some good opportunities for viewing. Heat haze is low, though precipitation can be
a problem for telescopes. In this lab,
you will locate several gems of the spring sky, drawing and identifying what
you see. So get out there and dig the
night sky!
Note: On sky maps, relative brightnesses are
indicated by the size of the dots. Also,
you may find it useful to use the reverse side of the chart to answer some of
the other questions. Also, skymaps.com
is a good resource to use.
1. If you look directly
overhead (to the zenith), what do you see?
2. What constellation(s) lie
directly overhead?
3. What asterism(s) are
visible?
4. What are the brightest objects
visible tonight? Name and locate them.
5. What are the stars of the
Summer Triangle? Can you see any of them
yet?
6. Find the Big Dipper. Can you see the double star in the handle? Can you see any other stars of Ursa Major?
7. Follow the arc of the handle
toward the next bright star. What star
is this?
8. Follow the pointer stars of
the Dipper to the next bright star (Polaris).
Draw the Dipper and Polaris as you see it. Can you see any other stars of Ursa Minor?
9. Is Polaris especially
bright? That is, is it one of the 5
brightest stars visible tonight?
10. Continuing on, following the
pointer stars past this star and curving a bit, find Cassiopeia. Draw what you see.
11. What is the lowest object
you can see on your horizon?
12. What planet(s) is/are
visible at this time?
13. Can you detect any color in
stars or planets? Comment.
14. What Messier (M) objects
should be visible (through a telescope) this evening?
15. List other interesting
events worth viewing this month.
16. How have the skies changed
since you first observed back in the winter?
17. Comment on the general
viewing conditions in your region.
Questions
1. What are the easiest ways to tell the
difference between a star and a planet?
2. When is the next full Moon?
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