When you enrolled in this class that was probably one of the questions that entered your mind. There are so many objects, but what can we really see? Most of the light coming from the heavens is invisible to us because it is in the non-optical region, (i.e. radio, x-rays). However, what we can see is both beautiful and amazing. So you might be asking the purpose of this endless rambling? Well, it is your job to go out and FIND things to look at. You should make a small list of around five to ten intersting things in the sky that can be observed from the SSU Observatory. What kind of things? Well, since there are so many I have included a list of the types of objects you might find in the sky.
Try to find at least one object from each of the above groups. Your list should include the name of the object, the type of object, the coordinates (right ascension and declination), the magnitude for the object, and the apparent angular size for the object. All objects on your list should be observable from Sonoma State University Observatory between 8 and 10 pm during the next month or so. All objects should also be observable with our equipment.
There are many resources to choose from, both by computer and by book. You will probably want to use the Voyager software, but you are also free to use the World Wide Web and any of the resources available in the library. Make certain you record the references you consult and include these references in your report for this work. Asteroids and Comets are harder to find because of their seasonallity, but a diligent and curious worker could easily find a few. Remember real astronomy starts with books and references, not the telescope. Actually finding when an object is visible will require some sort of computational to determine rise, set and meridian transit time.
Now remember that each telescope has certain parameters and limits to its viewing capacity. One cannot just pick an object that is up during the observation time. When a source is picked for observation additional factors have to be taken into consideration for optimal viewing. Our CCD detector can record objects as faint as 16th magnitude and our images have a field of view of 20 minutes of arc. You should pick objects that can reasonable be observed with our equipment.
Your assignment is for fun, along with learning. It is is designed to show one where to find objects, and what kind of preparation takes place before actual viewing. The point is also to find INTERESTING objects that YOU want to see on our telescope. No simulation no matter how real can replace the experince and feel of true observation. This lab is designed to let students experience a real observatory and modern astronomical imaging. Don’t forget, this project is as fun as YOU make it!
On a future lab night we will go the the University Observatory and observe some of the objects that are on your individual observing lists. This means you will need to be prepared to go to the telescope with your list (and an observatory assistant, of course) on the next clear night that the class meets. Your lab report for that night will be your observing list, your references, and your descriptions and sketches of the objects observed.
By: DRH
SONOMA STATE UNIVERSITY9/12/95