Size and Structure

http://astro.unl.edu/naap/motion3/animations/sunmotions.swf

On the size of things:

http://htwins.net/scale2/

http://scaleofuniverse.com/

http://xkcd.com/482/

http://xkcd.com/1331/
This is just cool.

http://workshop.chromeexperiments.com/stars/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yCzzTkDSMo

Jack Horkheimer (R.I.P.), for your interest.  Not related to the Celestial Sphere stuff.

Celestial Sphere

Constellation mini-project

I want you to prepare a 5-minute talk about a particular constellation.  Pick one that speaks to you - see the link below.  Actually, choose 2-3, in the event that some folks pick the same one.  Be a little adventurous - don't just necessarily go for your zodiacal constellation (or the one that you, until today, thought was yours).

About your constellation - find out information regarding:

- mythology / name
- name in other cultures
- interesting astronomical things about the region
- something that interests you
- an image of the constellation (either a depiction of the mythology, with stars included, or a photograph of the region - or both)
- anything else you like
- Please prepare a 1-page handout.  A powerpoint is not really necessary.

We will decide on the constellation assignments on Friday and have a bit of time to work on them, too.  The presentations will be 2 classes after this Friday - so, next Thursday.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/88_modern_constellations

Stuff

Before next class, use your field guide and/or the internet to find out something about:

constellations
asterisms
celestial sphere


From class today, FYI:

http://xkcd.com/1331/

http://scaleofuniverse.com/

http://www.iflscience.com/space/universe-north-american-scale

http://m.space.com/28324-illusion-of-lights-night-sky-video.html?adbid=10152601766496466&adbpl=fb&adbpr=17610706465&cmpid=514630_20150124_39179437

http://xkcd.com/482/

http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/thumbnails/image/iss041e045469.jpg

Welcome to Astronomy!

Let's start off with the largest picture ever taken:

http://www.scoopwhoop.com/news/wow-nasa/

http://www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/hubble-s-high-definition-panoramic-view-of-the-andromeda-galaxy/#.VMDlZSvF-Sr

http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/archive/releases/2015/02


>

On the size of things:

http://scaleofuniverse.com/


http://xkcd.com/482/


On the timeliness of things:

http://xkcd.com/1331/


Watch this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yCzzTkDSMo



Before next class, have a look at another Jack Horkheimer clip or two.  And also look into some recent astronomy-related video featuring Brian Cox and Neil deGrasse Tyson.