As you begin the course, it is very important that you sometimes walk outside and actually look at the night sky. If you cannot incorporate some naked-eye astronomy into the term, you will be missing out. You have easy access to observe many of the things discussed in the “Sky Basics” reading and the presentation on naked-eye astronomy. You need to see some things for yourself — planets, stars, clusters, asterisms, and constellations. The class presentation mentions several resources for naked-eye astronomy, some of which are summarized below in the Discussion: Naked Eye Observations Resources.
In no fewer than 300 words, discuss the following:
First, discuss one (1) resource from the first five options listed below in the Resources section. Clearly identify which one you are choosing. Include details about the resource, including what specific information was provided and how it is preparing you to locate objects during the module. Include details that are specific to the dates of our assignment. Make this the first paragraph of your thread.
Second, choose one (1) other resource from the second five options to discuss in your second paragraph. Once again, include details about the resource, including what specific information was provided and how it is preparing you to locate objects during the module. Include details that are specific to the dates of our assignment. Make this the second paragraph of your thread.
Third, in a final paragraph, discuss how you actually went outside during the module and applied these resources to locate specific objects (identify particular stars, planets, asterisms, constellations). Make mention of the time(s) and date(s) that you made your observations. Getting out more than one evening is ideal. The tools will prepare you to find many objects, and that should be reflected in this paragraph. It may take a couple of nights before you are ready to write this paragraph.
The goal here is to get you engaged in using tools to be a better astronomer. Share your own experience in the thread.
In the first part of the Discussion, you will look into resources on your own and work on becoming familiar with the night sky. In the second part, you will seek the benefit of collaboration as you get the added bonus of the experiences and recommendations of your classmates. The ultimate goal is to equip you to know the sky better by the end of the Discussion assignment. It is quite a sight! Commit to regular viewing on any clear nights of the term. Even a few minutes a night is enough to help you find your way around the sky.
My first resource i chose for the first paragraph is stardate.com
The second resource for paragraph two is space.com
