Astronomy | Observations in Astronomy

Tips for Teaching Astronomy to Children

Whether you are a teacher or a homeschooling parent, you know that it’s important for children to learn astronomy. However, it seems like an impossible task. Children work well with concrete ideas, and astronomy is made up almost entirely of hypothetical, theoretical, and otherwise confusing situations. You need to approach the subject carefully to make sure that kids learn what they need to be learning.

Since children learn so well with concrete examples, let them do as much as they can to physically see and manipulate astronomical concepts. A trip to a stargazing area is a good way of accomplishing this. Many museums also have astronomy exhibits with different things from space that you can touch; such an exhibit would be great for children, because it gives them a clear visual image of what you are teaching them.

When you are dealing with abstract concepts or ideas, try to tie it into their real life as much as possible. While talking about light-years and other huge units of measurement, don’t talk about how many times a certain distance stretches around Earth; talk about it in terms that kids understand. Although breaking the distance down to trips across the country or world may seem silly, they will understand that much better than any explanation that uses an abstract concept to teach an abstract concept.

Teach kids about NASA and other careers in space. Space may not be interesting to them until they can grasp the concept, but seeing people who go to space and explore it for a living can trigger a deeper interest within children.

Teaching astronomy is not always easy. However, by incorporating games, books, and children’s real lives, it quickly becomes a manageable topic. You can even make it interesting enough that they are begging to learn more.

Filed Under: Astronomy Tagged With: Astronomy

A Beginner’s Guide to Telescope Usage

Purchasing a telescope is a big step for someone who is planning on making a long-term hobby out of astronomy. There’s something special about using your own astronomy equipment, but it can be a fairly daunting task to learn how to use your first telescope. Use these tips to get on the fast track to using your telescope and becoming an astronomy pro.

Most telescopes available for hobbyist use and purchase are small or mid-size, so you have to be careful about where you go to look. Light pollution is a serious problem for stargazers and you definitely want to avoid it; it refers to the light left over from city lights, streetlights, and even a moon that’s too bright. Ideally, you should go out on a night when the moon is just a sliver, preparing to start or end a new moon cycle.

Bring some additional equipment with you to stargaze. Star charts are an invaluable tool for finding constellations, naming stars, and learning something from your experience. You can’t enjoy the stars if you are uncomfortable, so be sure to bring blankets and sweatshirts in case the temperature drops too far. If you want to keep track of your stargazing progress, bring log sheets and something to write with. You can keep track of the stars and constellations you find, which is a good way to observe your growth as an amateur astronomer.

Set your equipment up early and be prepared. You do not want to be fumbling at the last minute for your telescope! This is especially true if you need to read the instructions; figure out ahead of time how to set the telescope up so you don’t waste any valuable time.

Stargazing with your own telescope is a very rewarding endeavor. As long as you prepare correctly and use your telescope properly, you will have lots of fun.

How Christianity Changed Astronomy

Nowadays, astronomy is known as a hard science. It has definite laws and theories that have been tested and demonstrated to be true. However, this exciting science has not always had such a scientific base. In medieval times, astronomy was primarily a Christian topic.

In medieval times, the Bible was read and interpreted literally. Although the Bible made note of God creating heaven and Earth, there’s no mention of any of the other planets. Ancient astronomers noted that other planets certainly existed, since they were visible both with the naked eye and with rudimentary astronomy tools.

However, that is where they diverged from previous classical thought. The Catholic Church abandoned the astronomical findings of ancient scientists, findings that are still true today. They were remarkably advanced for their time, so it’s very unfortunate that they were so easily dismissed. The Catholic Church moved forward in astronomy by declaring that since man was created in God’s image, man was clearly the center of the Earth. Rather than the Earth revolving around the sun, which is what we now know to be true, they claimed that everything revolved around the Earth.

Although Christianity did significant damage to the growth of astronomy during the Dark Ages, Islamic astronomers continued to make great strides during this time. They based their work off of Greek and Roman astronomy findings, and they continued to perfect them. Additionally, they took European findings and refined them. These findings eventually advanced European astronomy again.

As Europe entered the Renaissance, the veil of the Dark Ages was lifted from the continent. Once again, astronomy began making massive strides. As the power of the church dissipated, people became curious about astronomy and made their own findings. It is the findings from the Renaissance that created part of the base of what we now know about astronomy.

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Comparing Binoculars and Telescopes for Astronomy

Although most people use a telescope when they want to go stargazing, there is another viable alternative. Binoculars can be used to look at the stars, and there are advantages to both tools.

To start, binoculars are more lightweight and portable than telescopes. Even lightweight telescopes can be a heavy strain after a while, but it is rare to find a pair of binoculars that are heavy enough to be noticeable. This makes them a particularly good alternative for nights when you may be traveling between several different stargazing locations.

Binoculars also tend to be much more affordable than telescopes. A beginner’s pair of binoculars is very inexpensive, typically less than $100. However, finding a telescope that is worth toting around can cost several hundred dollars. If you aren’t sure whether or not you want to take up astronomy as a serious hobby, trying it out with an inexpensive set of binoculars is much more cost-effective than trying it out with a telescope.

However, there are also advantages to using a telescope for astronomy. Telescopes are known for their magnification levels. While binoculars can zoom in quite a bit, it doesn’t even compare to what a telescope can do. Binoculars that are made for astronomy use tend to have 20x zoom; however, telescopes may have more than 100x magnification.

Telescopes are also more flexible for stargazing. Although they are known for having high magnification levels, they can also be used with lower magnification lenses. It’s much easier to get a telescope with several different lenses than it is to find a pair of binoculars that has all the varying magnification levels you need for stargazing.

Clearly, there are benefits to both options for stargazing tools. Both are excellent choices; the right choice depends entirely on your preferences, budget, and long-term astronomy goals.

Filed Under: Astronomy, Telescopes Tagged With: Astronomy, Telescope

We Are Anceint At Heart

Have you ever wondered the role that Astronomy has played in the history of mankind? Think about how the Inca’s built their pyramids, or Machu Picchu, the Egyptians, or even Idol worship. While these sound like foreign histories today, these ancient people groups have helped us understand the cyclical motion of the cosmos. We have discovered that their construction was based on annual or semi-annual astronomical phenomena. The basic understanding of our galaxies, and the patterns that exist within, have allowed us to enjoy simplicities like the calendar, predictable wave patterns, and even animal migration. The ancient peoples only understood that there was a larger force beyond their control that could control the magnitude of day and night. The people even took it so far as to provide human sacrifices to the “gods” that could control the earth they knew, as means of ensuring good crops, or blessings of good weather.
Today we understand that the basics of Astronomy, and the role that planets, solar systems, and entire cosmos has on our tiny planet called Earth. We have a concept of light years, distance from other planets, and have even been so brave as to leave Earth for research endeavors. The link between our logic now and the ancient people is not that unlike. Both civilizations, their and ours, have tried to unlock the secrets behind Space, discover scientific meaning, and even try to forecast the end of time based on trends seen in our own galaxy. We have Hubbell in the air taking pictures, and allowing us to see the infinite vastness that Space is. Other than the providing the sun human sacrifices, it seems as though humans are just as fascinated with the Cosmos today, as they were thousands of years ago, before they knew what to call the great void in the sky.

Filed Under: Astronomy Tagged With: Astronomy, Earth, Machu Picchu

Is Space Growing?

We are all interested in the idea of when the world is going to end. We assume that it has before simply by the fact that we had a beginning, and all things that have a beginning, usually have an end as well. So the likelihood of our solar system being the one and only beginning could be quite a stretch. There is a new theory on the market, however, that sums up the process. This also semi-answers the question of when the world is going to end. The theory is simple, that Space is expanding, or growing essentially. The basic premise is that Space can only expand to a certain point, and then POP, the existence as we know it, is not more. Others, have also called this POP a BANG, the cycle begins again.
Scientists have been working on this theory once they realized that certain planets were further away than they were before. This led to more research, using the Hubbell Satellite, which when directed at the Milky Way showed changes in the speed of movement. The difference in speed has led Scientists to believe that there is a force being produced that is allowing Space, and all the galaxies within, to expand further out. Then like a balloon at capacity, it ceases to expand and is destroyed. The controversial twist to this idea, however, is that the explosion of Space creates a force that somehow reconciles the formulas for life, and the cycle begins again. It is almost like how a forest fire can destroy the forest, but is necessary in order for there to be new life, and for the nuts to open and plant into the earth. So, while this does not give us an exact date of our end, it does give us the potential way we will end.

Filed Under: Astronomy Tagged With: Astronomy, Milky Way, Solar System, Space

I Named It Joe.

Have you ever wondered where the names of comets or stars come from? Well, it is simple enough, the first person who saw the star or comet, or at least confessed to seeing it, is allowed to name it. Most times, the name is after the “owner,” of the first sighting. So how would one go about naming a star or comet? It is simple. You can register online, or you can send in your paperwork via regular mail. There are some things that you would need to prove in order to claim as seeing the star or comet first, and you will have to find out if it has been claimed by anyone else. After you are able to fulfill all the requirements, and pay a small fee, you will have a star that is yours to name. That star or comet will also be noted in annuls and journals by the registered name that you have provided.
You can also have your named star be purchased as a gift. There are societies available that have located stars or comets, and have set them aside for purchase. Again, whatever you choose to name the star will be what is recorded in astronomy documents from that point forward. Many people tend to find that purchasing a star that is within their astrological chart to be appealing, while more individuals tend to lean to the more scientific for their purpose behind naming a piece of our vast galaxy.
Whatever the purpose behind discovering, or purchasing your own star may be you will always have the satisfaction of knowing that you will own a piece of space, that there is a place in the heavens with your fingerprint on it. You can even pass down to your future generations, your findings or your gift.

Filed Under: Astronomy Tagged With: Astronomy, Comet, Name, Solar System

Beginner Astronomy Tools

If you have ever considered taking up the hobby of Astronomy, there are some helpful tips and hints that would make the experience very enjoyable. There are is nothing worse, than beginning on an adventure, only to find that you are unprepared, and then frustrated by the end. It is always best to have a game plan when embarking on a new adventure, and to also have good expectations.
When taking on the task of preparing for a good Astronomy hobby, it might be wise to first visit an observatory. Here they can tell you about the constellations, the different stars, planets, and moons. This will help you know what to look for, and explain what exactly you are looking at. This will make the experience much more enjoyable, as there is a good knowledge base to work from. Next, you will need to have your own telescope. It does not have to be a high priced piece of equipment, but something to get you started. Another item would be a constellation chart. You can challenge yourself to try and find the different constellations listed on the chart. This will help you expand your knowledge, and make the hobby fun. The other element this exercise provides is that you will become more familiar with the equipment you are using, and you will then notice that you can navigate through the charts and use the equipment much faster than what you started, and with more ease.
The final piece of equipment that will be handy is a journal. You can write down all of your sightings, and create an expedition log. You can use this to notate interesting phenomenon, or set mile-stones for yourself as your skills and knowledge increase. Then, you can refer back to the very beginning of your journal, and this will be a good way to realize just how much you have learned along the way.

Filed Under: Astronomy, Universe Beyond Tagged With: Amateur, Astronomy, Constellation

The Beginning Of Astronomy

: Image via Wikipedia

How did the study of Astronomy begin? Ironically enough, it began all the way back to the Neanderthals, as it took the form of idolatry. They would worship the sun, or the moon, or the stars. Later on in human history the idol worship continued, but people began to see a pattern that they found interesting, and hoped to make it work for their benefit. This began with the Ancient Sumerians, even before the Egyptians. They had developed a calender so detailed, that the current calendar we use barely deviates from the one they created.
The Egyptians, and ancient indigenous people also realized the power of the knowledge of Astronomy, and hoped to harness it through their construction, worship, and sacrifices. They aligned their temples of worship and burial temples under the strongest constellation that they could recognize, in hopes to achieve higher power, or eternal life. The constellation of choice for the Egyptians was the Ursa Major, or the Big Dipper. They believed that this constellation joined the primary brothers of the Pharaoh together in eternity, and that their legacy would never end. Essentially, they believed that this constellation would bring them immortality.
Other civilizations looked to the heavens for returning god’s. The Inca’s believed that Manco Capac, would protect the great city of Cuzco, and therefore bring the city eternal blessings.
Today we look to the heavens for meaning of life, a deeper understanding of how humanity began, and of course, is there other life on other planets, or in other galaxies aside from our own. While I focus has shifted to science, and a deeper understanding of our existence, it seems apparent that we still worship in some capacity. We respect our planet, and the surrounding stars and moons, but we are still in complete awe of what they are, how this planetary machine works.

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Astronomy Clubs Offer New Opportunities

: Image via Wikipedia

Have you ever wanted to learn more about the star system? Have you wanted to see the craters in the moon up close? So close, in fact, you could detect mountain ranges? Many people have this desire, but they don’t always have the funds to buy observation equipment powerful enough to do so.

Where can you go to fulfill your stargazing desire if you don’t live near a major astronomy research facility that allows the public the opportunity to attend hosted events? Well, you might consider finding a local astronomy club. You can find astronomy clubs in rural communities, suburbs, and even cities.

The types of programs the clubs offer vary, depending on the location of the club, the size or the club, and the members of the club. Some groups host more events than others do, and the public can usually attend these events without having to join the clubs.

Take the North Halton Astronomy Club, for example. It recently hosted an event for the public, and two of the group’s members walked first-time stargazers through the process. The newcomers were able to see the moon with enough definition to make out the mountain ranges. As an added bonus, the group was able to focus in on Jupiter and see the red spot up close.

In addition to letting guests use their personal equipment, the club also offered demonstrations on comments and provided information about astronomy. Astronomy clubs all over the world offer similar opportunities. Many people can take advantage of working with individuals who have a better understanding of the night sky. After all, a newcomer may have trouble identifying what they are seeing through the scope.

If you are interested in taking your fascination with space to a new level but you want to keep your costs under control, consider finding a local group.

Filed Under: Astronomy Tagged With: Amateur, Astronomy, Fort Tryon Park, Inwood Hill Park, Jupiter, Moon, Telescope, United States