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Through a series of twenty in-class, modestly mathematical, paper-and-pencil activities, students review the epic advancement of astronomical thought, from the rudimentary observations of prehistoric skywatchers to the development of modern astrophysics in the 20th century. In following the groundbreaking work of some of history's most famous astronomers, students better appreciate the fruits of modern research. Astronomy Activities and Laboratory Manual supplies what is missing from standard introductory college astronomy course; the essential story line that tells how astronomers came to know as much as they do about the universe.The activities require no specialized instructor training, equipment or individual materials beyond a pencil, straightedge, and standard calculator. They are designed for use in a classroom of any size, and are an easy way to introduce active-learning into the teaching of astronomy. The activities are also ideal for individual homework assignments or team study. The necessary mathematical background is introduced on an as-needed basis for every activity and is accessible for most undergraduate students. This learn-by-doing approach is sure to engage and excite your introductory astronomy students! ... Read more

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This book is about using an 80mm refractor / 90mm Maksutov (such as a Helios 80 or Meade ETX90) as more than a "quick look" instrument, but rather something capable of use as an introduction to scientific observations. Emphasis is on measurement and discovery activities rather than on casual observing. There are two objectives to these activities: to re-enact the process of discovery and to provide amateur observers with the knowledge and skill that will help them make genuine contributions to the field of astronomy.

It is often said that users of small telescopes can conduct worthwhile scientific work, but ‘how’ is seldom explained except in the context of observations carried out by the most advanced amateur astronomers. This book provides the necessary introduction – derived from the author’s many year of experience in teaching the subject – that will be the starting point for serious work.

Users will find many activities and projects suitable for an 80mm refractor or 90mm reflector or Maksutov that have not been published elsewhere.

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In this stellar activity book, kids delve into the rich history of space exploration, where telescopes, satellites, probes, landers, and human missions lead to amazing discoveries. Updated to include the recent discovery of Eris which, along with Pluto, has been newly classified as a dwarf planet by the International Astronomical Union, this cosmic adventure challenges kids to explore the planets and other celestial bodies for themselves through activities such as building a model of a comet using soil, molasses, dry ice, and window cleaner; or creating their own reentry vehicle to safely return an egg to Earth s surface. With biographies of more than 20 space pioneers, specific mission details, a 20-page field guide to the solar system, and plenty of suggestions for further research, this is the ultimate guidebook to exploring the solar system. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

ehh.
Being a nerd, I was sure my 6-y/o would love this, since he wanted "space stuff."He never got into it.I forgot he had it until I saw it on the "review your amazon purchase" page.

Exploring the Solar System:A History with 22 Activities
I must say that this is a very well-written and illustrated reading material for all ages, not just for kids.

Solar System Book-Space Info
I bought this for my 6 yr. daughter.She's very interested in Space.It's a good quality book (no cheap paper). It has a lot of information from the past.First attempt into space they sent a dog.My daughter is very smart and understands what she is reading (or what I help her read).I would say it's more for 8 yrs and up (but perfect for a younger mature child). It has original pictures (not cartoon drawings) and is very educational for the whole family (if you are interested in learning about space).I recommend it for your collection.

An awesome choice for our star-crazy young ones!
In true Mary Kay Carson fashion, Exploring the Solar System : A History with 22 Activities isn't dumbed down even the slightest.Carson respects children and seems to grasp well what they can be expected to understand - which is often more than what they are credited with.As a result, her text is thorough and frank and can easily be read to would-be astronauts as young as 4 or 5 years.And the illustrative photos are stunning, the perfect foil for the text in capturing the imagination.From interviews with well-regarded scientists (including explanations of how they themselves became interested in studying space) to easy-to-execute activities to a very thorough timeline of space exploration, Carson has once again thought of everything for engaging our own little scientists.I simply cannot recommend this book enough. ... Read more

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The author has combined an astronomy guidebook with informative activities and projects. Aimed at both adults and teenagers, "Seeing the Sky" covers a range of subjects that include activities for daylight and night-time skies - including those related to the sun's corona, rainbows, atmospheric optics, and much more. All 100 projects involve no more than the naked eye and common household materials. ... Read more

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This collection of fifty-one fascinating and engagingactivities opens up the gateway to outer space for stargazers youngand old. Emphasizing group and family interaction, authors PhilipHarrington and Edward Pascuzzi provide innovative activities that willhelp children identify, understand, and appreciate the objects in theMilky Way and galaxies beyond.

With this book, you will become familiar with the constellations,planets, and phases of the moon. You will learn how sundials andtelescopes work and even how to build your own. You'll also discoverwhat causes shooting starts, auroras, nebulae, and other galacticphenomena.

Charts of lunar-eclipse and meteor-shower dates will help you planyour viewing schedules. Clear, helpful diagrams, star charts, andphotographs will guide you through the world of astronomy and makethis book a delight to use. ... Read more

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From a review of the first edition: ". . . strongly recommend[ed] . . . both for introductory astronomy lab courses and for individual study." --Sky and Telescope Through a series of self-paced observational activities, this book makes the study of astronomy accessible to those with no background in the subject. The early projects employ simple, easy-to-assemble equipment (several cutouts are provided) to introduce the subject of astronomical measurements. As understanding progresses, so do the scope and depth of the activities. All begin with actual observations and measurements that realistically simulate the research carried out by professionals. Over twenty experiments are presented, including a new unit on the use of a CCD (Charged Couple Device) detector on a telescope. The revised edition of Modern Astronomy is the first laboratory book to include this state-of-the art observing technology. Other sections offer material on sky mapping, fundamental principles of stellar evolution, motion and phases of the moon, properties of lenses and mirrors, spectroscopy, solar energy, galaxies, and celestial photography. Several useful appendixes, star maps, many illustrations, and sources for most materials are included. Each activity, arranged in a flexible format, allows individuals with different interests to follow different tracks through the material by omitting those aspects less pertinent to their goals. Readers will find the volume suitable for self-study or for use in an activities class in astronomy. Although the book will be enjoyed by everyone interested in the sky, it is especially helpful for teachers of astronomy who wish to learn skills and exercises that they can use in their own classrooms, at all levels from elementary through college. ... Read more

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This series is designed to help educators teach scientific concepts as well as develop students' appreciation and understanding of the work done by generations of curious scientists. The complete library includes 300 tested lessons and over 600 reproducible fact sheets, worksheets, homework assignments, and review quizzes. ... Read more

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Fun, easy, instructive activities combine with lucid graphic and written explanations of astronomical phenomena in this entertaining introduction to the pleasures of active astronomy for children. Includes a detachable star-finder wheel. Black-and-white illustrations throughout. ... Read more

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The first comprehensive monograph on this active and productive field of research investigates solar-type activity amongst the large spectrum of low- and middle-mass main sequence stars, and presents the subject in a systematic and comprehensive fashion.

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Seeing the Solar System Fun, easy astronomy projects that let you unlock the secrets of our solar system… Whether you’re a veteran sky watcher or an amateur astronomer, Seeing the Solar System will take you on a fascinating journey to objects in our solar system beyond the naked eye. This entertaining hands-on guide gives you dozens of stimulating astronomy projects and experiments that you can perform at home or in the field. The only requirement is a basic telescope—and a keen interest in this increasingly popular subject. Written by well-known astronomer and author Fred Schaaf, Seeing the Solar System is a companion volume to Seeing the Sky and the second in a trilogy of astronomy projects books. This invaluable addition to any amateur astronomer’s library is also ideal for astronomy clubs, nature groups, and family fun.

• Covers the nine planets and their moons, plus asteroids, comets and meteors, the Sun, and more
• From general observations of the moon to observing the comas and gas tails of comets, experiments range in difficulty from basic to advanced
• Written in crisp, clear, nontechnical language that even novice astronomers can understand

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A title from the SCIENCE ACTIVITIES series with colour photographs and artwork introducing the science of astronomy, investigating the earth's place in the universe, its phenomena, and the other planets in the solar system, with instructions on how to discover the various constellations and nightime observations. ... Read more

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Understanding how the Sun changes though its 11-year sunspot cycle and how these changes affect the vast space around the Sun – the heliosphere – has been one of the principal objectives of space research since the advent of the space age. This book presents the evolution of the heliosphere through an entire solar activity cycle. The last solar cycle (cycle 23) has been the best observed from both the Earth and from a fleet of spacecraft. Of these, the joint ESA-NASA Ulysses probe has provided continuous observations of the state of the heliosphere since 1990 from a unique vantage point, that of a nearly polar orbit around the Sun. Ulysses’ results affect our understanding of the heliosphere from the interior of the Sun to the interstellar medium - beyond the outer boundary of the heliosphere. Written by scientists closely associated with the Ulysses mission, the book describes and explains the many different aspects of changes in the heliosphere in response to solar activity. In particular, the authors describe the rise in solar activity from the last minimum in solar activity in 1996 to its maximum in 2000 and the subsequent decline in activity.

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What are stars?
Why does the moon change shape?
How close is the nearest planet?

Budding astronomers will find answers to all their questions about the night sky--and far
more--in these 50 eye-opening activities. Three-hundred color photos and illustrations, some from NASA's magnificent collection, help kids soar out into the solar system, get their bearings among the stars, and see the size of Earth as compared to the neighboring planets. Youngsters will learn how to use binoculars and a telescope. To remember what they see up above, children can create a stargazing notebook to chart viewing highlights or take pictures of star trails. A photographic trip to the Moon will inspire kids to map its many phases, calculate their lunar weight, or find out what happens during an eclipse. Voyaging farther out also reveals why the other planets wouldn't make a good home for humans, and will help children understand why Earth is so very special, too.
... Read more

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This supplement contains observation and research projects authored by Steve McMillan, as well as projects for the Starry Night ProTMplanetarium software by Erin O'Connor (Santa Barbara City College). ... Read more

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How would you like to get started today in the fascinating hobby of astronomy?

Let Be A Stargazer take you by the hand and guide you on your memorable journey through the universe around us.

From our small world we have gazed upon the cosmic ocean for thousands of years. Ancient astronomers observed points of light that appeared to move among the stars. They called these objects planets, meaning wanderers, and named them after Roman deities - Jupiter, king of the gods; Mars, the god of war; Mercury, messenger of the gods; Venus, the god of love and beauty, and Saturn, father of Jupiter and god of agriculture.

The stargazers also observed comets with sparkling tails, and meteors or shooting stars apparently falling from the sky. Since the invention of the telescope, three more planets have been discovered in our solar system. The science of astronomy is ever expanding.
Be A Stargazer will provide you with an understanding of astronomy and the universe around us. From our closest neighbors, the moon, sun and planets to the distant reaches of the universe, the stars and constellations, Be A Stargazer is your ultimate guide.

Be A Stargazer begins with a basic understanding of light and color. In the first three chapters you will learn the important role these forces play in astronomy and an understanding of the universe. Exciting experiments will help you in your learning.

Next we will examine the instruments used in astronomy and you will learn how to build a simple spectroscope from low cost materials.

Then it's on to our sun, moon and planets, where you will learn there distance from us and amazing facts about each of these bodies, and then beyond to study the meteoroids, asteroids and comets and ending up at the stars and constellations with star maps for observing the night sky. Be A Stargazer is the complete manual for beginning this exciting new hobby.
Astronomy is a hobby that will give you years of enjoyment and learning. Order Be A Stargazer - A Guide To Astronomy for you and your family now and get immediate delivery! ... Read more