Night sky observation
The University Junior College Stargazer Astronomy Group recently held a night sky observation session at the college itself. The students were shown how to handle and set up a Maksutov Cassegrain automated telescope, and how to use a GPS enabled...
The University Junior College Stargazer Astronomy Group recently held a night sky observation session at the college itself.
The students were shown how to handle and set up a Maksutov Cassegrain automated telescope, and how to use a GPS enabled device to identify celestial bodies.
Using these tools, students were able to view a crescent phase Venus, a receding Mars and the most tantalising of all, Saturn and its rings.
Those present were also familiarised with the use of sky maps to locate different constellations and specific stars.
The evening provided students with a good taste of what basic astronomical observations are about and had the opportunity to discuss topics related to cosmology, optics and waves, which form part of the A-level Physics syllabus.