1. (1 pt) First, install Space Update.
Purchase from Space Update store
or download a free 30-day trial from
Space Update.
Note the security work-arounds needed for Mac and Windows. If you have a newer
Mac operating system, we have a new installer for you to try - contact us.
2. (3 pt) Which planets will be visible in the evening sky (8 pm, looking West, East, South, and Zenith):
West: _____________________________
East: _____________________________
South: _____________________________
Zenith: _____________________________
(hint: look near the green line, which is the ecliptic and use "play" button to
scroll through the end of the semester).
Which planets will be in the morning sky (5 am, looking West, East, South, and Zenith):
West: _____________________________
East: _____________________________
South: _____________________________
Zenith: _____________________________
3. (1 pt) Which planets, if any, can be seen in the East in the Evening and also in the West in the morning (perhaps a few days earlier or later)? ______________________________ (These planets are in OPPOSITION).
4. (1 pt) Can you find Mercury any day(s) this semester? dates visible: __________ to _____________
morning or evening sky? ____________________ East or West? _____________________
5. (1 pt) Go to the Solar System module. Click "update data" in the top right hand corner.
If it says "new data available", click download. If it says "unwanted files found" select "delete".
If it says "no internet connection", download the latest version.
What is Pluto's spin period? ____________ (Look in the "DWARF" section).
What is Charon's orbital period? _____________
What is Charon's spin period? _______________
6. (1 pt) Read the
"Astronomy
"Activities for Elementary Students". Look in
Moon phase page: when will the next new moon be? ____________________
Last updated 8/24/2021
(note: subtract 5 hours
from UT to get CDT). On the day of the next new moon, start watching for the Moon in the west,
just after sunset (but before fully dark). (Generally is not visible until 24 hours after new).
Start making daily observations of the Moon's altitude, azimuth, and shape, all at the
same time of the evening (will be turned in as Homework 3).