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Observations Reports

Virtual Observations Report

The Virtual Observations Report is primarily the table containing all the information you are to find on the 50 objects listed in the Virtual Observations section of the Observing Nights page. The report should have a cover page with your name, due date and title. It should also have a brief introduction and a list of references listing all websites used in compiling the information. The table containing the information on the objects should be typed and neatly layed out so that it is easy to read. The Virtual Observations Report is due Friday April 5.

1st Quarter Observing Report

After you have attended one First Quarter night you must do a 1st Quarter Observing Report. The report should be typed with double line spacing. You may turn it in at any time but the reports will not be graded until after the due date. The report is due Friday April 26. LATE OBSERVING REPORTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!!!

    The report should consist of two major parts. Part 1 should consist of information about the various telescopes shown in class and used on the 1st Quarter nights. This must include (but is not limited to): types, sizes and manufacturers of the telescopes; types of mounting systems the telescopes used; drawings of the optical systems of the telescopes (see Figures 5.7 on page 129 and 5.15 on page 134 of your text for the kinds of drawings) and, finally, observing aids and devices (i.e., CCD’s, cameras, filters, star maps, etc.). For additional information on the telescopes, check out the web sites of the various manufacturers. You can find links to them on the So You Wanna Buy a Telescope page of www.apsu.edu/astronomy. A PowerPoint presentation on telescopes, mounts and observing aids can also be found on www.apsu.edu/astronomy in the Observing Nights link.

Part 2 should consist of information about the celestial objects you saw on the 1st Quarter night. This must include (but is not limited to): what were they (i.e., planet, star, nebula, cluster, etc.); their name (if known); other objects associated with them (i.e., moons of Jupiter or Saturn); their location (constellation they are in or "in the solar system, fifth planet from the sun..."); a brief description of the object and, finally, which telescope you saw them through. For additional information on the objects, check out the SEDS website or the Constellations Home Page on the Astronomy Links page of www.apsu.edu/astronomy.

Format for the Report for 1st Quarter Observering Report

  1. The cover page should include: your name, date of observing night and a title.

  2. Introduction. A brief summary of what the report is about. Probably one or two paragraphs in length.

  3. Part 1: Information on Telescopes, mounts and observing aids. Include optical drawings.

  4. Part 2: Celestial objects viewed.

  5. Conclusions. What did you learn? Was it worthwhile? Would you recommend that this be repeated every semester in the astronomy class? What can be done to improve it?

  6. List of references. A list of all sources used in compiling the information for the report.

 

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