Introduction to Astronomy What is Astronomy Astronomy The

Introduction to Astronomy

What is Astronomy? Astronomy The science which investigates all the matter-energy in the universe: its distribution, composition, physical states, movements, and evolution. (http: //www. astronomy. org)

Astronomy is a TRUE science • Astronomy is based on observations and experiments that can be repeated, and that give the same results no matter who does the experiment or makes the observation. • Astronomy makes use of other wellestablished sciences like physics and chemistry.

Astrology is NOT a science • Seeks to discover “hidden knowledge” by the interpretation of omens (like reading tea leaves). • Results are not repeatable. • Predictions are vague and not testable. • Does not incorporate sciences like chemistry and physics.

Astrology predictions for Mrs. White

Why study Astronomy? • • • Natural disasters Recreation and esthetics Scientific inquiry and curiosity Education of an informed society (you !) Our place in the Universe Origin and fate of the Universe (Cosmology) • True Science versus science fiction

Natural Disasters: Comet and meteorite impacts, for example. Recreation and Esthetics: The Universe is beautiful!! Scientific Inquiry and curiosity: Humankind has always been fascinated by the night sky, astronomy is one of the oldest sciences. Education: NASA outreach programs for students and teachers.

Our place in the Universe: Where is the Earth with respect to the other planets in the solar system, Milky Way galaxy and the ENTIRE universe? Origin and fate of the universe: This part of Astronomy is called Cosmology seeks a scientific explanation for how the Universe began and how it might end (or will it go on forever? ).

True Science versus Science Fiction: • Some astronomy stuff may be weird, BUT IT’S TRUE. ØBlack Holes. ØRadiation from the beginning of the Universe. • Science fiction is just weird. ØFavorite movies. ØStar Wars ØStar Trek ØAvatar

Beginnings • • Learning the Sky Observing Tools What you will see Advanced observing

Learn the Sky • 88 Constellations – Only about half visible in the Northern Hemisphere • Bright stars – About 25 -30 Stars

How can you learn the sky? • Astronomy Clubs – www. hvaastronomy. com • Books • Star charts – Planispheres • Software • Phone Apps

Observing Tools - 1 • Eyes – Young eyes • ~0. 3”-0. 4” telescopes – Older Eyes • ~0. 25”-0. 3” • What if you wear glasses?

Observing Tools - 2 Binoculars – What to know about • • • Roof Prisms Porro Prisms Coated/Uncoated BAK 4, BAK 7 Magnification

Observing Tools - 3 • Telescopes – Refracting – Reflecting – Catadioptric

What will you see? • Eyes - ~0. 25” Telescopes – Stars to about magnitude 6 -7 – A few non stellar objects • Andromeda Galaxy • Planets and the Moon • A few star clusters and nebula • But you want more!

What will you see - 2 • Binoculars - ~2”-4” Telescopes – Same stuff as with naked eyes, but…. . – You’ll be able to see objects 16 -32 times more faint! – Galaxys, Globluar clusters, nebula, etc.

What will you see - 3 • Telescopes - ~4”-20+” – Same stuff as with eyes and Binoculars, but…. – Now you will be able to see objects up to 100’s of times more faint – Ability to see fine detail (resolution)

Galaxies

Planets

Nebulae

Comets

Free Software • Virtual Moon • http: //www. astrosurf. com/avl/UK_index. html • Planetarium Cartes du Ciel (Sky Charts) • http: //www. stargazing. net/astropc/index. html

Advanced Observing • • • Cameras Variable Stars Meteors Asteroids Supernova Spectroscopy

Meteor Showers 2013

Solar (Our Sun) Spectrum

A Few Fun Facts • Milky Way Galaxy – – – Mass: 1012 solar masses Center: Direction: α = 17. 8 h, δ = -29° (Sagittarius) Distance: 29, 000 lt. yrs. Diameter: 326, 000 lt. yrs. Velocity: 370 miles/sec relative to 3°K background radiation toward α = 10 h, δ = -20° (southeast Hydra) • Some Close Galaxies of the Local Group – – – Large Magellanic Cloud Small Magellanic Cloud Leo II M 31, M 32 M 33 163, 000 lt. yrs. 196, 000 lt. yrs. 750, 000 lt. yrs. 2. 3 million lt. yrs. 2. 4 million lt. yrs. • Most Distant Object Readily Visible in an Amateur Telescope – 3 C 275 2 - 3 billion lt. yrs. – (quasar) (typically requires 10 -in. or larger telescope)