Astronomy 101 / Shorecrest Astronomy Standards
Content
1. Introduction to
Astronomy (all 101)
• Basic concepts
• Orientation to the
sky
• Constellations
• Celestial motions
• Celestial Sphere
• Time keeping
Power Standard
I can describe the size of
the Universe
mathematically.
I can describe where we
live in relation to the rest of
the Universe.
I can describe the
differences between
planets, stars, moons,
asteroids, comets, star
systems, nebulae, and
galaxies.
I can explain constellations
and how we use them to
map the sky.
I can use (local and
universal) coordinate
systems to find the location
of celestial objects in the
celestial sphere.
I can explain the
differences in the
heliocentric and geocentric
models.
I can explain the uses and
origins of common time
keeping periods including
day, month, year, seasons.
I can explain the uses and
origins of common calendar
systems including lunar and
solar.
Learning Target
I can use big and small numbers in scientific notation.
I can create a model to show the scale of the solar system and
describe the properties of the planets.
I can describe how large the Milky Way galaxy is and its
properties.
I can describe our cosmic address.
I can explain the difference between constellations and
asterisms, and how we use constellations for locating objects.
I can describe the general ideas of where we think the
universe came from and how large the Universe is.
I can describe how old the Universe is using a cosmic
calendar (and look back time).
I can describe the motions of celestial objects such as Earth,
moon, planets, and the galaxy.
I can describe how celestial motions give us seasons, phases,
eclipses, precession, equinoxes, solstices, and retrograde
motion (including annual motion, daily motion, Sun, opposition,
conjunction).
I can describe when Mercury and Venus are typically visible
and why it is so.
I can explain why we think the Universe is expanding.
I can explain celestial coordinates as a tool for mapping the
sky (poles, equator, ecliptic, local sky, zenith, meridian, right
ascension, declination, tropics, circles).
I can describe the differences in the star motions from different
places on earth.
I can describe how to measure with angular size, angular
distance, and parallax
I can compare and contrast ancient models of the celestial
sphere and the arguments for helio vs. geocentric thinking.
I can describe the origins of the present day calendar and time
keeping (including time zones).
I can compare and contrast a solar vs. sidereal day, synodic
vs. sidereal month, and tropical vs. sidereal year.
2. Universal Motion
• Scientific Process
• History of Astronomy
• Laws of Motion
• Gravity
I can explain good Scientific
thinking and process.
I can explain the difference between science, pseudoscience,
and non-science
I can summarize the key
events and places where
I can explain the differences between ideas, theories, and
laws.
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Astronomy 101 / Shorecrest Astronomy Standards
astronomy has its ancient
roots.
I can explain why modern
scientific thinking comes
largely from the Greeks.
I can explain the difference
between astrology and
astronomy.
I can describe motion and
interpret graphs of motion.
I can summarize the laws of
motion and gravity, and cite
their implications for
astronomy
I can cite key scientists in
the development of modern
astronomy and explain their
contributions.
3. Matter, Light, Energy
• The Atom
• Energy
• Spectra
• Light
• Telescopes
• Observing
I can explain the difference
between Matter and
energy.
I can describe different
forms of energy.
I can describe the structure
of the atom and electron
energy levels.
I can describe the
properties of light and how
light interacts with matter.
I can analyze stellar spectra
and describe the features of
the object represented in
the spectra.
I can describe how we
observe the sky, and the
tools involved, in different
wavelengths.
I can cite specific places and contributions to astronomy (and
time keeping) from the ancient world (including Africa, Egypt,
Greece, the Americas, Middle East, China, Stonehenge,
Alexandria, Baghdad).
I can describe key astronomy ideas from ancient Greeks
(including Eratosthenes, Ptolemy).
I can describe the work of modern scientists, the limitations
imposed on them, and the progress of astronomy resulting
(including Copernican revolution, Brahe, Kepler, Galileo,
Newton)
I can describe Galileo’s work and how it influenced scientific
thinking and the consequences (Jupiter’s moons, gravitational
acceleration, telescope).
I can describe Kepler’s work and how it influenced scientific
thinking (Planetary motion laws).
I can describe Newton’s work and how it influenced scientific
thinking (laws of motion, speed, velocity, acceleration, force,
momentum, angular momentum, Universal Gravitation, orbital
paths, tides, synchronous orbit, tidal friction, freefall, Kepler’s
3rd).
I can describe the difference between radiation and
radioactivity, mass and energy.
I can describe different forms of energy relevant to astronomy
(kinetic, potential, thermal, radiative, power, watts).
I can describe the difference between heat and temperature
(Joules, Celsius, Kelvin, phases of matter).
I can explain the conservation of matter, conservation of
energy, and mass-energy.
I can describe the structure of the atom and explain how
electrons give spectral signatures (absorption and emission).
I can describe the properties of light (including emission,
absorption, transmission, reflection, opacity, color, scattering).
I can describe the duality of light (particle, wave, properties of
waves).
I can describe the forms of light (electromagnetic spectrum)
and its properties.
I can describe black body radiation (thermal radiation) and its
properties.
I can analyze spectra of celestial objects to identify the object
type and give its properties.
I can use an online astronomical database to find spectra (and
other information) about celestial objects (such as SINBAD,
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Astronomy 101 / Shorecrest Astronomy Standards
SDSS).
I can explain how spectral shift (Doppler) gives information on
motion, speed, and rotational velocity.
I can describe the tools used to collect light (data) from
celestial objects (CCD, telescope, lenses, mirrors).
I can describe the types of telescopes and cite their uses and
limitations (image, spectra, time, reflector vs. refractor, angular
resolution, interference, atmosphere, light pollution, adaptive
optics, interferometery, chromatic aberration)
I can describe how data is collected and images are generated
across wavelengths (and how false color is used).
I can cite significant telescopes across the wavelengths
(ground and space based).
I can describe spacecraft mission types and reasons (orbiters,
fly by, lander) including the pros and cons.
4. Relativity and Quantum
Mechanics (a sampler)
• Special relativity
• General relativity
• Quantum mechanics
• Space-time
• Degeneracy
Pressure
• Particle vs. wave
I can describe and explain
the basic principles of
general relativity and cite
evidence and implications
to astronomy.
I can describe what is meant by relative motion and frames of
reference.
I can describe and explain
the basic principles of
special relativity and cite
evidence and implications
to astronomy.
I can describe a paradox and thought experiment and give
examples of each.
I can describe and explain
the basic principles of
quantum mechanics and
cite evidence and
implications to astronomy.
I can explain the concept of space-time (space-time diagrams,
geometries).
I can describe the fundamental postulates of relativity and
quantum mechanics (including c absolute).
I can explain time dilation, order of events, length contraction,
mass increase, and the twin paradox in relativistic terms.
I can describe mass distortions, curvature of space, and orbits
in space-time.
I can explain the equivalence principle (accelerated motion).
I can explain gravitational time dilation.
I can cite evidence for relativity including, precession of
mercury, gravitational lensing, gravitational red shift, and
gravitation waves.
I can explain fringe concepts such as hyperspace, wormholes,
and warp drive, and cite the basis for this thinking.
I can describe the Fundamental particles (12) and forces (4).
I can describe the properties of particles (matter) including
quarks, and antimatter.
I can describe anti-matter annihilation and pair production.
I can explain the Unified Theory model.
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Astronomy 101 / Shorecrest Astronomy Standards
I can explain the uncertainty principle and its implication on
location and motion.
I can describe the wave-partial duality (of light) and its
implications.
I can explain the exclusion principle and its implications.
I can explain the astronomy implications of quantum
mechanics including degeneracy pressure, quantum tunneling,
and virtual particles.
5. Stars (all 101)
• Our Sun and how it
works.
• Other types of stars
and their lives.
• Classification of
stars.
• H-R diagram.
• Birth and death of
stars.
I can describe the
properties of our Sun and
how it works.
I can list and describe the properties of the Sun’s layers,
atmosphere, and features (e.g., sunspots, prominences,
flares).
I can explain how we
observe the sun and learn
about its mechanisms.
I can explain nuclear fusion in the Sun (vs. fission) and the
proton-proton chain.
I can explain the types of
stars and how they are
classified.
I can explain an H-R
diagram and cite uses.
I can describe how we
measure the properties of
stars and their significance.
I can explain the gravitational vs. thermal pressure equilibrium
that sustains the Sun.
I can explain current thinking on neutrinos.
I can explain how auroras occur.
I can describe other types of stars and the systems used to
classify them including magnitude, luminosity, spectra
type/class, surface temperature, and OBAFGKM.
I can classify stars from their properties.
I can describe stellar
evolution in low and high
mass stars.
I can explain an H-R diagram and its regions.
I can explain the inverse square law as it relates to light and
the application of the luminosity distance formula.
I can describe the methods used to measure the distance to
stars, age, temperature, and mass (including stellar parallax,
Cepheids, main-sequence turn off, binary systems, periodluminosity, luminosity-distance).
I can describe 3 types of binary stars and observations we can
make from them.
I can describe variable stars and star clusters and their uses in
collecting data.
I can compare and contrast stellar evolution for both low and
high mass stars (including molecular clouds, disks, jets, and
stellar remnants).
I can compare and contrast the CNO fusion cycle in high mass
stars with low mass stars.
I can explain the life track of a star using an H-R diagram.
I can explain how the elements have been formed as a
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Astronomy 101 / Shorecrest Astronomy Standards
product of stars.
I can explain accretion and mass exchange in a close binary
system and the consequences (e.g., the Algol paradox).
I can describe unique stellar objects and events we observe
including white dwarfs (and explain the white dwarf limit),
neutron stars, pulsars, supernovae (and other novae), gamma
ray bursts, neutron stars, and black holes).
6. Galaxies (all 101)
• Milky Way and its
structure.
• Other types of
galaxies.
• Classification of
galaxies.
• Hubble’s Law.
• Galaxy evolution.
• Dark matter and fate
of the Universe.
• Big Bang.
I can describe the parts of
the Milky Way and their
motions
I can compare and contrast the disk, bulge and halo of a
galaxy including the motion of stars within (including the Milky
Way).
I can explain how we
observe our own galaxy.
I can explain how the spiral arms form and change with time
(waves).
I can describe galaxy types
observed and classify them.
I can describe the interstellar medium and its source.
I can explain the star-gas-star cycle.
I can explain the
significance of Hubble’s
work.
I can explain and cite
evidence for the present
ideas of Galaxy evolution.
I can explain and cite
evidence for the present
ideas regarding the fate of
the Universe.
I can explain Dark Matter
and the current thinking of
what it is.
I can explain the Eras of the
early Universe.
I can describe the Big Bang
model and cite evidence
why present ideas support
it.
I can explain how bubbles and fountains form.
I can describe what various light wavelengths allow us to see
in the galaxy (significance of the 21-cm line).
I can explain the distribution of mass in the Milky Way and the
significant conclusions we draw.
I can describe what we know of the galactic center (and what
we know about Sgr A*).
I can compare and contrast the three main types of galaxies:
spiral, elliptical, and irregular (including groups and clusters).
I can classify galaxies using the Hubble Fork diagram.
I can describe the various methods for measuring cosmic
distance and age (including standard candles, Cepheids, main
sequence fitting, Hubble’s Law, Tully Fisher).
I can describe why current ideas indicate the Universe is
expanding.
I can state the present value for age of Universe.
I can explain look back time, the cosmological horizon and
cosmological red shift, and their significance.
I can compare and contrast current models of galaxy formation
including galaxy collisions and their outcomes.
I can describe the unique galaxies we observe and the
explanations proposed for them such as starburst galaxies,
active galactic nuclei, quasars, radio galaxies (lobes and jets),
and super massive black holes.
I can explain and cite evidence for dark matter (including mass
determination and mass to light ratios, dark matter in clusters,
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Astronomy 101 / Shorecrest Astronomy Standards
critical density).
I can compare and contrast the leading ideas about dark
matter including MACHOs vs. WIMPs (and gravitational
lensing as evidence).
I can describe the large-scale structures in the Universe and
how they are observed.
I can compare and contrast the four possible models for the
fate of the Universe.
I can describe the conditions in the early Universe and how we
test our models.
I can describe the eight eras of the Universe.
I can describe the Big Bang model (including inflation, and
separation of forces
I can cite evidence for the big bang and explain the model’s
shortcomings (including microwave background, and helium
abundance).
I can describe Olber’s paradox and Occam’s Razor.
7. Wrap up
• Space Travel
• Extra-terrestrials
• Conspiracy theories
and the media
I can explain the pros and
cons of space travel.
I can explain why space travel is generally not regarded as the
best for space exploration.
I can explain the current
thinking on extraterrestrials.
I can explain current thinking on extra-terrestrial visits to Earth
and the existence of ET.
I can cite examples of how
media distorts information
to sway belief (in science).
I can cite examples of how media (and conspiracy theories)
can sell an idea (including a flat earth and faked moon
landing).
I can cite proof of the moon landings.
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