29:51 Introductory Astronomy Lab

Spring 2001

Experiment 2

Week of February 5, 2001

Observations of the Moon

The purpose of this session will be to observe the surface of the Moon, and note some of the features which were discussed in the lecture portion of the class. The project will use a map of the Moon, and observations made with the Celestron 8” telescope.

Begin by consulting a map of the Moon with features labeled, either a copy that has been handed out, or the map available over the Web → http://www.arval.org.ve/MoonMapen.htm

. Locate examples of (1) a crater, (2) a Mare, (3) an impact basin, and some other feature which you find of interest, and which will be visible with a small telescope.

Set up the Celestron 8, either on the roof of Van Allen Hall or another location. Find each of the features you have identified. Keep in mind that the field is inverted, i.e. up goes to down and left goes to right. It will take you a little time to get oriented. Begin by locating prominent maria and craters. Make a careful sketch of each of these features. I do not expect the quality of 19^th century scientific illustrations, but they should be better than that produced by a 3 year old. Probably the best approach is to draw with a pencil, modifying and adding detail until you are satisfied.

Two observing sessions should be dedicated to this project, one when the Moon is full and the features are strongly illuminated, and at least one other which corresponds to early morning or late afternoon on that part of the Moon, when the sunlight is more oblique and shadows are cast. These two observations will give you a good feeling for the nature of the lunar terrain.

Write in your notebook a couple of sentences to one paragraph describing the connection between what you have observed at the eyepiece of the telescope and what you read in your textbook.

Walk with Ursus!