Chabot College
October 1999
Removed Fall 2010
Course Outline for Astronomy 50
Constellations and the Night Sky
Catalog Description:
50 – Astronomy & the Night Sky
0.5 units
Introduction to the night sky, motions of the stars and planets, and constellation visible during the
year. Mythology of constellations and star names. Applications of the scientific method studying
the motions of the stars. May not be taken for credit if Astronomy 10 or 20 have been
successfully completed. 10 total hours.
[Typical contact hours: 10]
Prerequisite Skills:
None
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
identify the different seasonal motions of the sun across the sky;
identify the different phases of the moon;
identify circumpolar and zodiacal constellations;
identify the seasonal constellations and brightest stars visible for Autumn, Winter, Spring,
and Summer;
relate at least one major origination myth (Greek, Native American, Chinese, Persian,
etc.) concerning key constellations for each season;
use a star and planet planisphere to match the sky to any date and time, predict
planetary motions and meteor showers.
Course Content:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Motions of the Sky
Rising and setting positions of the Sun
Phases of the Moon
Coordinates on the sky, ecliptic, celestial equator
Autumn Constellations: Pegasus, Andromeda, Cassiopeia, Cepheus, Perseus, Pisces,
Aries, Aquarius
Winter Constellations: Orion, Canis Major, Canis Minor, Gemini, Auriga, Taurus
Spring Constellations: Leo, Cancer, Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, Bootes, virgo, Corona
Borealis, Libra
Summer constellations: Lyra, Cygnus, Aquila, Hercules, Scorpius, Sagittarius,
Capricornus
Circumpolar Constellations: dippers, Draco, Cassiopeia, Cepheus, Camelopardis, Coma
Bernices
Using the Star and Planet locator to find the sky for any date and time.
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
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Lecture
Demonstration in the Planetarium
Optional evening field trips and observing sessions
Internet Constellation review
Chabot College
Course Outline for Astronomy 50, page 2
October 1999
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
Typical Assignments:
a.
Constellation ID exercises using the Star and Planet Locator
b.
Evening observing tasks
2.
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
a.
Constellation quiz
b.
Observation reports
c.
Homework assignments
Textbooks (typical):
Nightwatch, by Terrence Dickinson, 1997
Special Student Materials:
None
Revised 12/99