6. Celestial Observation Flashcards
What do the stars look like to the naked eye?
A small ball of light which can range from blue to white
What do star clusters look like to the naked eye?
A large collection of stars in one area
What do galaxies & nebulae look like to the naked eye?
A fuzzy streak of light
(nebulae are more small, patch)
What do planets look like to the naked eye?
Stars that don’t twinkle
What do comets look like to the naked eye?
Fuzzy structures much larger than stars with a tail
What do meteors look like to the naked eye?
A shooting star
What do aurorae look like to the naked eye?
A mix of colours in a wavy-like pattern
What do supernovae look like to the naked eye?
A very bright star
What do artificial satellites & aircrafts look like to the naked eye?
A small flashing light moving across the sky, white or red
Why is there a range of constellation, asterism and star names?
Countries like India and China compared constellations as they had different cultures & people to the Greeks
Asterisms varied as different countries all had different stories and myths to tell
Constellation names came from animals or Greek Gods
What is dark adaptation?
Adjusting the eye to low light intensities so you can see better in the dark
(dilating the pupil)
What is averted vision?
Looking off to the side when observing to expose the sensitive part of your eye to see fainter objects better
What are some factors that could limit the visibility of celestial objects?
Rising and setting (stars)
Air/Atmosphere
Weather
Landscape
Light Pollution
What are the main causes of light pollution?
The Sun
The Moon (reflects suns light)
Artificial light (street lamps, house lights, vehicle headlights)
Fires
Space x satellites
What are the main effects of light pollution?
Stops us from seeing stars or other celestial things in the sky as it’s too bright to see them
