[SOLVED] Moon Observations Assignment

Moon Observations Assignment
NATS 1530 Su 2022
Introduction
The Moon is familiar to everyone. Its monthly cycle of phases are readily visible and the full Moon in
particular is often a source of interest to the news media. The Moon is a source of interest of Science
articles, poetry, epic fictional stories and movies.
In this exercise however, we will introduce you to the “real” Moon, revealing craters, plains of dried
lava, phases, etc., through both direct visual observations and CCD imaging using the 1-metre telescope
at the Allan I. Carswell Observatory (AICO). Remember, when visiting the Observatory to view the
Moon, dress appropriately for the weather. The temperature in the dome at the telescope will be the
ambient temperature outside.
Each student will receive 2 (digital) images of the Moon (taken at the AICO) to analyze.
Reserving an Observing date
The best time (or at least the most convenient) to view the Moon is arguably around first quarter phase.
Observing will (likely) be done with the 40 cm telescope of the AICO, accessible on the Arboretum
Parking Arcade. (Renovations to the observatories domes over the summer will preclude observing with
the 1-metre telescope.)
Note that you do not have to attend an observing session to complete the assignment. However, you
do have the opportunity to observe the Moon in essentially a “private” (class) session so you are
encouraged to take this opportunity.
Appropriate dates will be made available to the class for viewing on eClass. Obviously viewing is
weather dependent and thus several nights in June and July will be available for sign-up. Observing will
begin normally between 8 and 9:00 PM on the dates available and conclude around an hour later. A
viewing session will run no more than an hour (normally much less). If you sign up for a session and it is
clear, please proceed to the observing location where staff will conduct the Observing session. Each
session starts promptly at the time specified.
Please note that only 15 students will be allowed in each observing session to minimize wait time and
maximize your enjoyment. Book early!
In-person Moon Observing
Upon arrival at the telescope, you will be given a quick summary of the telescope operation (including
the all-important focusing process). You will then be given the opportunity to observe the Moon under
low magnification. Think of this as a “Galileo moment”! Pay close attention to the variety of surface
features and the roughness of the terrain especially near the terminator. For those interested in
attempting a cell phone image, ask the staff about this possibility. (No guarantee on the success of such
a photograph but many good images have been taken.)
Assignment Requirements
1. Record the date and time of the Moon images you are provided. (1 mark)
2. Determine what the date of the last New Moon was prior to your Observing Session. (1 mark)
3. How “old” was the Moon (a number of days since the previous new Moon) on the date of your
Observing session and what was its lunar phase? (1 mark)
4. Print your (PDF) images of the Moon sent to you following your Observing session. (I
recommend to use a “Landscape” printing option.) Alternately to printing, use a program that
will allow you to “mark up” the images. From your CCD images, identify and name three natural
features. Mark the relocations on your CCD images. These can be mountains, craters, seas, etc.
At least one of these features must be a crater. You will need to research lunar maps and
features. (3 mark)
5. Name and identify where on your image one spacecraft mission from any nation resides. This
can include a controlled landing or a crash site. Again, research will be required to identify such
a location. (1 mark)
6. Once identified, briefly summarize (a couple of sentences each) the pertinent information about
all four features such as their size, formation, date of impact, etc. (4 mark)
7. Mark on both the CCD images the cardinal directions (North, South, etc.) (1 mark)
8. Measure carefully in millimeters your identified crater from 4 above. Knowing its true size in
kilometres, determine the scale of your image in kilometres per milimetre. Show your working.
(2 mark)
9. Look up the average diameter of the Moon in kilometres. With your scale from 8 above, what
would be the diameter of a lunar image in milimetres? (2 mark)
10. Inspect each of your two images. Decide where the least and the most heavily cratered sections
on the images are located. Draw two, 5 cm boxes encompassing these two sections being sure
not to include any portion of the terminator or limb. Carefully count the total number of craters
(ALL sizes) within each of the boxes and record the numbers. (2 mark)
11. What does the difference in the number of craters in each box suggest to you? Explain your
reasoning. (2 mark)
12. Be sure to include the references you have used to locate and describe your lunar features. (1
mark)
Submission of the Assignment
On the course eClass website, you need to submit the responses to the above 12 questions along
with the annotated lunar images you have used. The cover page should include your name, student
number, course (PHYS 1470) and the date. Submit the assignment in a PDF format only. (You are
permitted to include lunar images in a variety of picture formats.) Submission deadline is Friday July
15, 10 PM. Late submissions will incur a 10% per hour penalty.