Observing II: The Winter Sky
Despite the cold, the late fall and early winter skies present some of the best opportunities for viewing. Heat haze is at a minimum, though precipitation can be a problem for telescopes. In this lab, you will locate several gems of the winter sky, drawing and identifying what you see. So throw on some gloves, bundle up, and dig the night sky!
Check out the December and January maps on www.skymaps.com. You can also see the maps from Abrams Planetarium (Michigan State University), distributed in class.
Answer the following questions based on your map reading and/or field experience. Good luck. Take hot chocolate with you. And cookies – definitely take some cookies, even if you never get outside.
1. What planet(s) is/are visible in the evening (before midnight)? Find it.
2. What planet(s) is/are visible after midnight?
3. Where in the sky is the Andromeda Galaxy (M31 ? that’s Messier object #31)?
4. Draw the constellation Orion as it appears to you. Identify Rigel and Betegeuse, and note their colors.
5. Where is the great square of Pegasus?
6. Find the Northern Cross. In what constellation is it? Name any star in the Cross.
7. Name the three brightest stars visible tonight – find them, also.
8. What are the two brightest stars in the constellation of the twins?
9. Draw the Big Dipper as it appears to you, facing it.
10. Identify any other winter constellations or objects of interest.
11. Find the 3 stars in the belt of Orion. What are their names?
12. Follow these 3 stars in a line to a bright star. What star is that?
13. Where is the Orion nebula?.
14. Find the winter triangle and name the 3 stars in it.
If a telescope or binoculars are available, find the following objects and describe them:
Pleiades cluster, Hyades cluster, M42 (the Great Orion Nebula)
Questions
1. What are the easiest ways to tell the difference between a star and a planet?
2. Are there any comets viewable right now (with telescope)?
3. When is the next full Moon?
4. What is the brightest star visible in the evening sky?
5. Tell me something about the mythology of Orion.
6. How does the winter sky compare to the fall sky? You may need to reference an earlier star map.
7. Anything else worth mentioning about the sky?
