Astronomy-Telescope Research
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Identify the main purpose your telescope will serve. (planet observations, deep sky objects, portability, etc.) Why is this your main purpose?
2. Contrast an equatorial telescopic mount with an alta-azimuth one. What is a superior feature of each choice?
3. Of the two mount styles described above what type is used by the popular Dobsonian telescope?
4. Describe the telescopic mount (equatorial, alt-azimuth, other) of your choice.
5. Describe one auxiliary feature that you choose? Why?
6. What will be the first astronomical object you will observe? Why?
7. Define the following terms (8pts.):
Aperture
Barlow lens
Catadioptric
Clock drive
f/ratio (astronomical usage-why is this important?)
Magnification
Reflector
Refractor
8. WEB SITE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDGvNyVApgg
In the past the quality of observing from earth was limited. However, mountaintop telescopes are entering a new golden era because of improvements in adaptive optics, fast computers and sensitive sensors.
What feature of the earth is now being overcome at a cost that is less than receiving data from orbiting telescopes?
9. WEB SITE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nynfeE4TFtE
Write a 50 word summary on this video about the Thirty Meter Telescope. (2 points)
10. WEB SITE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmguh7eks_U
Write a 50 word summary on this video about the Webb Space Telescope. (2 points)
WEB SITE: http://astro.unl.edu/classaction/animations/telescopes/telescope10.html
The focal length (Fo) of the aperture (objective) is usually a constant for a telescope while the focal length of the eyepiece (Fe) varies as an observer can interchange them. Magnification is a variable property of the telescope and is defined as a ratio shown in the “Readouts” panel.
11. Using a telescope with an 8” aperture observe the moon. Observe the results in the “Readouts” panel. Which eyepiece allows for the highest magnification?
12. Which eyepiece allows for the largest field of view?
13. Which eyepiece would you use to begin a search for a planet? Why?
14. Include a picture of the telescope you selected and a detailed summary of items and their cost. (2pts.)