This
is an introduction to the 2011 requirements for the Astronomy merit
badge.
The
Astronomy merit
badge includes "knowledge" requirements.
To complete those, you need to first learn the
information,
and then show either me, or another Astronomy merit badge counselor,
that you can answer the questions in the requirements.
I suggest the easiest way to do this is, after tonight's
learning, write up your own answers to the requirements and email
them to me. These
requirements are
numbers 1, 2, 3 (some of you will complete some of 3 during the
class), 5a, 5b, 5c, 6b, 6c, 6d, 7a, 7b, 8, and 9
(some of you will complete some of 9 during the class).
Requirement 8 requires
choosing a project and coordinating with your counselor before
carrying out the project. During
tonight’s class,
we will complete parts of requirements 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 9,
observe objects
in the heavens that will help you complete requirements 4, 5,
6, and 7, and discuss the information you need in order to
complete the remaining requirements.
I
will not communicate
privately with any youth - I will copy a parent's email address
on anything I send in email.
If you send anything to me in email, please include not
only your email address but a parent's address.
Thanks.
Glenn Holliday holliday@acm.org
- Do the following:
-
Describe the
proper clothing and other precautions for safely making observations at
night and in cold weather.
- Tell how to safely observe the Sun,
objects
near the Sun, and the Moon.
- Explain first aid for injuries or
illnesses, such as heat and cold reactions, dehydration, bites and
stings, and damage to your eyes that could occur during observation.
-
Explain what light
pollution is and how it and air pollution affect astronomy.
- With the aid of
diagrams (or real telescopes if available), do each of the following:
- Explain why binoculars
and telescopes are important astronomical tools. Demonstrate or explain
how these tools are used.
- Describe the
similarities and differences of several types of astronomical
telescopes.
-
Explain the
purposes of at least three instruments used with astronomical
telescopes.
- Describe the proper care and storage
of telescopes and binoculars both at
home and in the field.
- Do the following:
- Identify in
the sky at least 10 constellations, at least four of which are in the
zodiac.
-
Identify at least
eight conspicuous stars, five of which are of magnitude 1 or brighter.
- Make two
sketches of the Big Dipper. In one sketch, show the Big Dipper's
orientation in the early evening sky. In another sketch, show its
position several hours later. In both sketches, show the North Star and
the horizon. Record the date and time each sketch was made.
- Explain what
we see when we look at the Milky Way.
- Do the following:
- List the names
of the five most visible planets. Explain which ones can appear in
phases similar to lunar phases and which ones cannot, and explain why.
-
Using the Internet (with your parent's permission), books, and other
resources, find out when
each of the five most visible planets that you identified in
requirement 5a will be observable in the evening sky during the next 12
months, then compile this information in the form of a chart or table.
-
Describe the motion of the planets across the sky.
-
Observe a planet and describe what you saw.
- Do the following:
-
Sketch the face of the moon and indicate at least five seas and five
craters. Label these landmarks.
-
Sketch the phase and the daily position of the Moon at the same hour and place,
for four days in a row. Include landmarks on the horizon such as hills, trees, and
buildings. Explain the changes you observe.
-
List the factors that keep the Moon in orbit around Earth.
-
With the aid of diagrams, explain the relative positions of the Sun,
Earth,
and the Moon at the times of lunar and solar eclipses, and at the times
of new,
first-quarter, full, and last-quarter phases of the Moon.
- Do the following:
- Describe the composition of the Sun,
its relationship to other stars, and
some effects of its radiation on Earth's weather and communications.
-
Define sunspots and describe some of the effects they may have on solar
radiation.
-
Identify at least one red star, one blue star, and one yellow star (other than the
Sun). Explain the meaning of these colors.
- With your counselor's approval and
guidance, do ONE of the following:
- Visit a planetarium or astronomical
observatory. Submit a written report, a
scrapbook, or a video presentation afterward to your counselor that
includes
the following information:
-
Activities occurring there
-
Exhibits and displays you saw
-
Telescopes and instruments being used
-
Celestial objects you observed.
-
Plan and participate in a three-hour observation session that includes
using
binoculars or a telescope. List the celestial objects you want to
observe, and
find each on a star chart or in a guidebook. Prepare an observing log
or
notebook. Show your plan, charts, and log or notebook to your counselor
before making your observations. Review your log or notebook with your
counselor afterward.
-
Plan and host a star party for your Scout troop or other group such as
your
class at school. Use binoculars or a telescope to show and explain
celestial
objects to the group.
-
Help an astronomy club in your community hold a star party that is open
to
the public.
-
Personally take a series of photographs or digital images of the
movement
of the Moon, a planet, an asteroid or meteoroid, or a comet. In your
visual
display, label each image and include the date and time it was taken.
Show all
positions on a star chart or map. Show your display at school or at a
troop
meeting. Explain the changes you observed.
-
Find out about three different career opportunities in astronomy. Pick
one and find
out the education, training, and experience required for this
profession. Discuss this
with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest
you.