Janice VanCleave's A+ Projects in Astronomy Winning Experiments for Science Fairs and Extra Credit

by VanCleave, Janice

• ISBN13: 9780471328209
• ISBN10: 0471328200
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-11-06
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

An all-new collection of first-rate science experiments!Are you having a hard time coming up with a good idea for the science fair? Do you want to earn extra credit in your science class? Or do you just want to learn more about how the universe really works? Janice VanCleave's A+ Projects in Astronomy can help you, and the best part is it won't involve any complicated or expensive equipment.This step-by-step guide explores 30 different topics and offers dozens of experiment ideas. The book also includes charts, diagrams, and illustrations. Here are just a few of the subjects you'll be investigating: The size and rotation of celestial bodies Eclipses and the true movements of the sun The apparent magnitude of the stars Orbital eccentricity Meteors and artificial satellites You'll be amazed at how easy it is to turn your own ideas into winning science fair projects!Also available:Janice VanCleave's A+ Projects in Biology Janice VanCleave's A+ Projects in Chemistry Janice VanCleave's A+ Projects in Earth Science

Author Biography

JANICE VANCLEAVE is a former award-winning science teacher who now spends her time writing and giving science workshops. She is the author of over 40 books with sales totaling over 2 million copies.

Table of Contents

Introduction	1	(8)
Part I Measurements
Apparent Diameter: Observed Diameter of Celestial Bodies	9	(7)
Angular Separation: Angular Distance between Celestial Bodies	16	(7)
Altitude: Vertical Coordinate	23	(5)
Azimuth: Horizontal Coordinate	28	(9)
Part II Optical Instruments
Apertures: The Gathering of Light	37	(6)
Diffraction: The Spreading of Light	43	(8)
Part III The Sun
Sunspots: Cooler Surface Regions	51	(5)
True Sun: How the Sun Appears to Move	56	(6)
Seasons: Four Times of the Year	62	(9)
Part IV The Planets
Solar System Scale: Miniature Model	71	(6)
Barycenter: The Balancing Point	77	(5)
Orbital Eccentricity: How Circular a Celestial Body's Path Is	82	(5)
Planetary Phenomena: Planetary Movement Relative to Earth	87	(6)
Orbital Period: Time of Revolution	93	(6)
Spheroids: Bulging Bodies	99	(7)
Rotation: The Spinning of Celestial Bodies	106	(5)
Phases of Venus: Changes in Shape and Size	111	(8)
Part V Moons
Moon Phase: The Moon's Visible Lighted Surface	119	(5)
Eclipses: Shadows of Earth and the Moon	124	(4)
Craters, Maria, and Highlands: The Moon's Surface Features	128	(5)
Galilean Satellites: Jupiter's Largest Moons	133	(8)
Part VI Stars
Celestial Sphere: Sky Globe	141	(5)
Zodiac Band: Background for the Ecliptic	146	(7)
Circumpolar: Stars above the Horizon	153	(4)
Star Clock: Star Positions Indicate Time	157	(5)
Star Systems: Multiple Stars	162	(4)
Apparent Magnitude: Apparent Star Brightness	166	(6)
Parallax: Apparent Shift of an Object	172	(9)
Part VII Meteors and Artificial Satellites
Meteors: Streaks of Light in the Sky	181	(4)
Artificial Satellites: Man-made Orbiters	185	(4)
Appendix 1 Random Error of Measurement	189	(2)
Appendix 2 Relative Error: Percentage Error	191	(2)
Appendix 3 Planet Facts and Figures	193	(2)
Appendix 4 Tangent Table	195	(2)
Appendix 5 Sources of Scientific Supplies	197	(2)
Glossary	199	(10)
Index	209