1. The Galaxy Zoo: Science!
World’s largest database of galaxy shapes
Shifted astronomer’s assumptions of color and shape
Determined that there is no preferred direction for galaxy spirals
Bizarre and unexplained objects!
Hanny’s Voorwerp

2. Types of Galaxies Elliptical Spiral S0 between E7 and Sa Irregular
E0 (circular) to E7 (flattened)
Spiral
Bulge, disk, halo
Ordinary (S) vs. Barred (SB)
S0 between E7 and Sa
Have bulge, disk, no spiral structure
Irregular

3. Types of Galaxies
M87 E1
M100 Sc

4. Types of Galaxies
NGC 3351 SBb
LMC Irregular

5. Classifications Shape Color Direction of Spiral
Smooth or with Features?
How Round?
Edge on?
Bulge at center?
Spiral pattern? How tight? Number of Arms?
Bar feature through center of galaxy?
How prominent is the bulge?
Irregularities?
Color
Direction of Spiral

6. Getting Started http://www.galaxyzoo.org

7. Getting Started

8. Classifications
Smooth
Features
Star or Artifact

9. Classification
Round
In Between
Cigar

10. Classification – Edge On?
YES
YES NO

11. Classification
Rounded
Boxy
No Bulge

12. Classification – Spiral Pattern?NO
YES
YES

13. Classification – Tightly Wound?
Loose
Medium
Tight
Loose
Medium

14. Classification

15. Classification – Central Bar?
No Bar
Bar
No Bar

16. Classification – Bulge Prominence
Just Noticeable
No Bulge
Dominant
Obvious

17. Classification – Odd Features
Merger
Ring
Irregular
Lens / Arc

18. Experiment and Explore!

19. Fun Internet Resources and the Galaxy Zoo

20. Hands-On Activity Resources
Astronomical Society of the Pacific:
Nebraska Astronomy Applet Project (fun online experiments)

21. Educational Resources
Astronomical Society of the Pacific:
Ask an Astrophysicist:
NASA Quest challenges (web based interactive projects):
Astronomy Picture of the Day:

22. NASA Educators Page Teaching materials broken down by grade level
Fun images
Kids’ Club

23. Minorities in Science
The Faces of Science: African Americans in the Sciences:
Minorities in Science: Guide to Reference Resources:

24. Women in Astronomy
A resource guide to prominent women in astronomy in the past and present (requires some legwork):
Brief biographies of some prominent female astronomers:

25. Astronomy vs. Astrology
Astronomers do not study horoscopes!
Discussing the difference between the two fields can be useful for explaining the scientific method
A fun and clear website explaining the difference between astrology and astronomy:

26. Just for Fun
A discussion of misleading science in movies:
and tv:

27. The Galaxy Zoo Over a million galaxies Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS)
2.5m Robotic telescope in New Mexico
Other projects related to SDSS:
Range of grade levels