1. Observing Basics What is there to see in the night sky?

2. Stars

3. Planets

4. Sun

5. Satellites

6. Galaxies

7. Moon

8. The Celestial Sphere Ancient astronomers envisioned a great hollow sphere surrounding the earth. All the stars were attached to the sphere. The sphere rotated once a day carrying all the stars, the moon, the sun, and the planets.

9. Celestial Sphere

10. The celestial sphere model is still used today. Notice the celestial poles. The sun’s path is known as the ecliptic. Zenith is the point directly over head.

11. Stars and Planets Stars Twinkle Planets don’t Why is this?

12. General info on stars. Most star names come from ancient Arabic Siris = “the searing/scorching one” Capella = “little she-goat” Alderban = “follower of the Pleiades”

13. Greek Letters Like you know, Greek letters are used to designate the order of brightness. Alpha = the brightest star in the constellation. α Beta = second brightest, etc. β

14. Polaris The north star. Found in the handle of the little dipper. Dist = 430 ly Not a significantly bright star

17. Constellations Groupings of stars Purpose = Entertain, Tell Stories, Record History Not real objects—Duh! Must use imagination 88 recognized constellations

18. Constellation stars may appear close to each other, but they may actually be far away. 220 90 70 60 95 120 70

19. Asterism Grouping of stars that is not a constellation. What do you see?