Night Sky Observation: The Summer Triangle

Name: _______________________________________

Date: _______________________________________

Time: _______________________________________

Location: _______________________________________

Observing Conditions: _______________________________________

Tools: (did you use an astrolabe, compass, quadrant, binoculars, naked eye etc.?)


Procedure:

1. Use your planisphere to find a time and date for your observation when the star Arcturus in the constellation Bootes will be above the horizon. Go outside and find the altitude and azimuth of Arcturus using your astrolabe and/or a quadrant and a compass. Horizon star map to help find Arcturus.

2. Look at this Star map for locating the Summer Triangle. Using your planisphere, find the names for each of the stars in the Summer Triangle and write them in the chart below. On your planisphere, bright stars are marked with larger stars.

3. On the star side of your astrolabe, set the dial for the position of Arcturus you found in #1. Using your astrolabe, you can now find the altitude and azimuth of each star in the Summer Triangle. Record these in the chart below.

4. Using the information in #3, find the Summer Triangle in the night sky. Were the stars where your astrolabe told you they would be?

5. You may be able to see the Milky Way across the sky (it looks like a long wispy, white cloud). Use your planisphere to identify at least two constellations that are along the Milky Way.

Data:











Notes and tips for finding the star Arcturus, the Summer Triangle, and the constellations Bootes, Lyra, Cygnus and Aquila. How would you describe to a friend who was unfamiliar with the night sky how to find these stars and constellations?











Names of two constellations along the Milky Way and tips for finding them:











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