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 Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 7:58 pm
 What is 'Astronomy'?
Astronomy is, in its most basic definition, a study of the skies -the planets, moons, stars and other celestial objects. This means that its studies the movements of these objects and the affects they have on other objects (such as Earth). In more advanced Astronomy, astronomers study the physics, chemistry, and evolution of celestial objects, such as the elements that make-up a nebula, or the formation of a star.
Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences. Prehistoric cultures left behind astronomical artifacts such as the Egyptian monuments and Nubian monuments, and early civilizations such as the Babylonians, Greeks, Chinese, Indians, Iranians and Maya performed methodical observations of the night sky. However, the invention of the telescope was required before astronomy was able to develop into a modern science. Historically, astronomy has included disciplines as diverse as astrometry, celestial navigation, observational astronomy, and the making of calendars, but professional astronomy is nowadays often considered to be synonymous with astrophysics.
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Not To Be Confused with 'Astrology'?
Astrology is the belief that the placement of the stars and planets at the moment of a person's birth have a lasting effect on their life. It consists of a number of belief systems and requires both a knowledge of Astronomy and math to practice. In the western world, astrology most often consists of a system of 12 Signs each corresponding to a month on the Gregorian calendar, that claim to explain aspects of a person's personality and predict future events in their life.
I will not be teaching Astrology in this thread.
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Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 7:59 pm
Lesson 1
Just the Basics
Once upon a time, Astronomers could look up at the sky with their naked eyes and watch the movements of the stars. Today, city lights, spotlights, beacons, airplanes and other such man-made light sources drown out starlight so that you can barely see them at all. That's why modern astronomers find high, dark places to do their star-gazing and use tools like telescopes, binoculars, and star-charts to help them in their pursuits.
To begin this class, you will need:
* Permission to go outside at night. (If you're still living with your parent(s) or guardian, be sure they're okay with you going out after dark.)
* A telescope, or binoculars.
* A notebook, or sketchbook to document your sightings.
* A star-chart for your area to help you identify what you see. (Most charts for the northern hemisphere are available online.)
* A watch or other time-keeping device to track movements.
Homework Assignment 1
Stargaze
After dark, with your parents' permission, go outside and find a decent spot from which you can see the stars. It is best if its high and away from the city lights, but do not stray to far from your home into areas that might not be safe for you after dark, and so not try and climb onto unsafe height like your roof or hang out your window. Ask your parents for help if you have trouble thinking of a place.
Once you've found your spot, set up your telescope or binoculars to watch the stars. Take notes approximately every 15 minutes so that you have a record of what you've seen. Use your chart to identify the stars or planets you are seeing. After some time, you will start to notice that they are moving.
Don't stay out to late. An hour or two should be sufficient.
Come back here and share what you've seen.
Due Date: TBA
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Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 8:00 pm
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Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 8:04 pm
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Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 8:06 pm
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Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 8:07 pm
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Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 8:09 pm
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Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 8:10 pm
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Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 8:11 pm
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Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 8:12 pm
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Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 2:35 pm
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Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 2:36 pm
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Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 2:37 pm
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Posted: Thu Feb 07, 2013 2:38 pm
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