Astronomy Conversation
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Astronomy Conversation Paper
Rebekah D. Andrus
PHYS 1040
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On July 20, 2013 I conducted an astronomy conversation at my home with several family
members. The one hour, fifteen minute discussion covered a variety of topics of interest chosen
by the participants. Though there were several drawbacks to the informal location and
arrangement, the overall experience was informative and educational.
Preparation
In preparation of the conversation I asked those who would participate what astronomy
topics they would like to discuss. The topics of black holes, star formation, novae, dwarf planets,
supernovas, and the speed of light were suggested. I identified the purpose of this discussion as
an opportunity for the participants to enlighten their minds and share their knowledge and
opinions. I made a basic outline to follow and made preparations to record the conversation.
Participants
I asked my parents and my daughter to participate in this discussion for several reasons.
First, I knew they would be willing to do it and their schedule would coincide with mine. More
specifically, I invited my dad to be a part of the conversation because he understands scientific
topics much better than I and would be able to explain things I struggle to comprehend. I invited
my daughter because she is always interested in scientific topics and it is her favorite subject in
school. My mother is smart all around and I chose her because I knew she would be willing to
join the discussion to support me.
The conversation
Our discussion covered a variety of topics, planned and unplanned. We began by
watching the astro-tour about star formation from the textbook website. Everyone was interested
and found the information fascinating. We discussed gravitational attraction that develops when
a star is formed. My dad gave a helpful analogy. He explained that passing trains lean toward
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each other due to gravitational pull and how it is similar to the way molecular clouds collapse
into themselves in the process of a star’s formation. We also watched the astro-tour about solar
system formation. We talked about the materials crashing into each other to make planets and
how larger masses possess stronger gravitational pull. We discussed the differing range of
temperature from the center to the outside of the accretion disk and how it affects the molecular
makeup of the different planets as they form. When discussing the topic of gravity the
conversation took an unplanned turn to tidal effects of the moon. The participants were
particularly interested in how the gravitational pull of the moon and sun almost counteract each
other during neap tide. The spiral of the moon’s orbit was also an item of curiosity and interest.
Throughout the discussion a variety of scriptural concepts such as the creation, worlds without
number and man being formed from the dust of the earth were brought up and how they relate to
the discoveries made in science. At one point the question was asked, “How do they think that
animals that eventually turned into people got on the planet?” This turned us to the discussion of
atmosphere and the creation of oxygen on the earth. We discussed the qualities and effects of the
layers of the atmosphere and what makes our weather happen. Another question was raised about
global warming and the greenhouse effect. We discussed how the temperature of the earth
gradually rises as the incoming flow of solar radiation is larger than the outgoing flow of infrared
radiation and how the rise in global temperature may affect climate change. We ended with
thoughts and comments on the sheer magnitude and immensity of space.
A few challenges and surprises
There were a few challenges throughout the discussion that could have been avoided had
I anticipated them. My daughter got bored, which really surprised me. She just wasn’t
particularly in the mood to discuss astronomy. The other problem was that the only time we
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could successfully schedule the conversation was Saturday afternoon which turned out to be a
time when participants were tired. We had tried to do it Friday evening which was a good time of
day—interest levels were good and no one was tired—but with a couple young grandkids over to
be babysat it soon became apparent that we would have to reschedule. Thus we moved it to
Saturday. It worked out, but the time was not ideal. Another challenge was in the newness of the
experience. My family is not accustomed to having scientific conversations. Though we talk
frequently about many things, the topic is rarely on anything scientific and probably never about
astronomy. This somewhat limited the natural flow of conversation. However, though the
conversation did not run quite as smoothly as I had hoped it turned out to be informative for all
the participants and was a good opportunity for me to learn what to do differently next time.
Future improvements
If I were to do this assignment again, I would improve my preparations by choosing a
location away from home in an effort to prevent distractions and help the participants be more
focused in their participation. I would also invite one or two friends to be a part of the discussion
as well to add to the formality of the event. Additionally, I would ask each participant to read an
article about an astronomy topic of their choice before the discussion and come prepared to share
it with the group. I would offer assistance in finding and choosing such articles if needed. This
would make the conversation much more interesting and effective. All in all the conversation
was a good experience. The biggest thing I learned was that as a family we need to have more
dialogue on scientific topics. I am excited to do that.
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References
W. W. Norton Smartwork Study Space. Astrotours. [Video presentation]. Retrieved July 24,
2013, from the W. W. Norton Smartwork Web site:
http://wwnorton.com/college/astronomy/understanding-our-universe/astrotours.aspx
Palen, S., Kay, L., Smith, B., & Blumenthal, G. (2012). Understanding our Universe (1st ed.).
New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company.