Celestial Sphere Lab

Problem:  This purpose of this lab was to illustrate the celestial sphere, coordinate systems, star positions, ecliptic, equinoxes and solstices. In addition, another purpose was to explain why the earth has seasons and learn how to determine the location of stars and the sun.

Hypothesis: Prior to this lab I had an understanding of the rotation of the earth and sun but expected to earn more about which stars and constellations can be seen during specific times of the year and form different points on the earth.

Procedure: In our group of four we completed various questions on altitude, azimuth, right ascension and declination of different stars and constellations. We used the ecliptic to dictate where the sun is during different days and months and learned about the direction the stars move.  

Data and Calculations: Can be found when a hardcopy of the lab is turned in on the day of our test.

Conclusion: This lab gave me a much clearer understanding of the different rotations of the earth, sun and stars. I learned that there are very few areas on the earth that are able to see every single constellation throughout the course of a year and that the constellations you are able to see depend greatly on your location. An aha moment for me came when I realized how much the stars actually move and how different the sky I see tonight is from the sky I will see only a month from now which I found to be very interesting. As a whole, this lab gave me a great understanding of how much there is going on in the sky and all the motion that we usually don’t notice.