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Astronomy

Astronomy Activity : Understanding Celestial Coordinate Systems

A quick introduction to different coordinate systems used in astronomy

Equipment and preparation
Equipment
The student worksheet and a computer for the supporting videos. No telescope is needed.
Before you start
Read the teacher notes before introducing celestial coordinates. Select the video clips that support your worksheet discussion.
Planning your time
Review the tasks before scheduling a class. A classroom duration has not been confirmed for this lesson.

Teaching guidance

Student Activity Document (view PDF)

Teacher Notes (view PDF)

The following are videos from Dr. Loren Anderson AT West Virginia University’s Astronomy department.
They are short clips from the his 2nd lecture given to the DSPIRA Teachers during July 2019.

Intro to Motion in the Sky

DSPIRA Astro Lect2.1 Intro to Earth's Motion. Watch on YouTube: DSPIRA Astro Lect2.1 Intro to Earth's Motion.

The Celestial Sphere

DSPIRA Astro Lect 2.2 The Celestial Sphere. Watch on YouTube: DSPIRA Astro Lect 2.2 The Celestial Sphere.

Earth’s Motion and Star Trails

DSPIRA Astro Lect2.3 Earth's Motion. Watch on YouTube: DSPIRA Astro Lect2.3 Earth's Motion.

More Celestial Sphere

DSPIRA Astro Lect2.4 Celestial Sphere and Star Paths. Watch on YouTube: DSPIRA Astro Lect2.4 Celestial Sphere and Star Paths.

Discussion of Common Misconceptions

DSPIRA Astro Lect2.5 Misconceptions Explained. Watch on YouTube: DSPIRA Astro Lect2.5 Misconceptions Explained.

All 8 lessons in Astronomy Published July 23, 2020