56 Introduction

Astronomy Laboratory 13 – Planetarium/Astronomy Club/Observing

Module Introduction

Three men are shown next to equipment at a star party in the Grand Canyon National Park.
A star party in the Grand Canyon National Park 23 Annual Star Party 2013 by Grand Canyon National Park is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Humans have long been looking up at the sky and trying to make sense of what they saw. Methods of observation have evolved throughout the ages, yet access to tools of observation have been slow to follow along. Few could afford the tools while many wanted to use them. Interest in astronomy was strong, so setting up telescopes in public was regularly done. Today, these events are usually called star parties, where the public is invited to come to a park, museum, or other site to look through telescopes often staffed by amateur astronomers.

In this lab, you will attend a local astronomy club meeting, observing session (star party), or planetarium program, reporting out via specific questions, and sign-off by the club or planetarium. (1)

Objectives

At the end of this module, students will be able to:

  • Locate and attend a local astronomy club meeting, observing session (star party), or planetarium program
  • Participate in a local astronomy club meeting, observing session (star party), or planetarium program
  • Describe the tools used at the viewing event
  • Describe the observations made at the viewing event (1)

Outcomes

The material in this module includes content designed to meet the following course outcomes:

  • Explain and apply major concepts in astronomy including planets, satellites, stars, meteors, galaxies, and theories of the universe.
  • Communicate scientific ideas through oral or written assignments.
  • Demonstrate the ability to think critically. (1)

Assigned Readings

Learning Unit 13

Assignments

  • Event Participation Activity
  • Lab 13 Quiz (1)

License

Icon for the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Astronomy Lab Copyright © by Lumen Learning is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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