Celestial Planisphere

Celestial Planisphere

AstronomyName:Date:Pd:

Earth is constantly on the move. We revolve around the sun once a year, and roate on an axis once a day. As a result, we see different objects in our sky over the course of a day, and over the course of a year. A celestial planisphere is a type of star map that can be used to guide observations of the night sky. It can also be used to help ups understand some of the regular motions of the sky.

Part 1: Orientation

1. Draw the map symbols for the following (see the back side of the Planisphere)

Mag. 0 star: Nebula: Galaxy:

2. From the perspective of the North Pole, which direction (CW or CCW)does earth rotate?______

3. As a result of our rotation, objects in our sky rise in the ______and set in the ______.

4 . What direction (CW or CCW) do you need to spin the Planisphere in order for objects to rise and set on the correct horizons? ______

Part 2: Daily Motions. Today’s date is ______

1. Set the Planisphere to 10 PM today. What constellations are visible along the transit line (the silver Sharpie line) of the Planisphere?

Now, change the time to Midnight tonight. What constellations are visible along the transit line of the Planisphere?

Towards which horizon (west or east) did the constellations shift? ______

2. Find the following stars and identify their magnitude and constellation. Then find when they rise, transit (cross the center line of the sky) and set today.

BetelgeuseMag ______Constellation ______

Rise time ______Transit time ______Set time ______

SiriusMag ______Constellation ______

Rise time ______Transit time ______Set time ______

CastorMag ______Constellation ______

Rise time ______Transit time ______Set time ______

3. Next, do the same for the constellation that you studied in the project last week. Give rise and set times for when the whole constellation is visible.

My constellation ______

Rise time ______Transit time ______Set time ______

On which date will your constellation be centered on the transit line at midnight? ______

Part 3: Annual Motions

1. Note the position of Orion at 10 PM tonight, and then note the position of Orion at 10 PM exactly one month from now. Describe how Orion has moved between now and one month from now.

2. Find the constellation Libra along the ecliptic.

What is the earliest date in the year when Libra is fully visible at 10 PM? ______

What is the last date in the year when Libra is fully visible at 10 PM? ______

3. The center of the Milky Way is in Sagittarius. What are the months when Sagittarius (and the center of the Milky Way) is visible in the night sky?

What kind of Deep sky objects do you find in and around Sagittarius?

Part 4: Planets

1. Give the current locations (constellations) of the planets.

Venus: Mars:Jupiter: Saturn:

Circle the ones that are visible in tonight’s evening sky. Put a box around the planets that are visible in the morning sky. Underline the planets that are not visible.

Give the JULY locations (constellations) of the planets.

Venus: Mars:Jupiter: Saturn:

Circle the ones that are visible in the evening sky during July. Put a box around the planets that are visible in the morning sky. Underline the planets that are not visible.