Astronomy Observation Log

Astronomy Observation Log

For this assignment, you have to make at least two observations on two different days.
You will have to observe astronomical objects (the moon, planets and/or some constellations).

You will have to measure the angular extension of one object (the moon or a constellation).
And you will have to measure the angular distance from the horizon of two objects (the moon, a planet, some star your choice).

Then you will combine the log for all those observations and submit them as one single text submission.

Astronomy Observation Log

Check tips on how to do your homework-help-services/

Measuring angles: Helpful resources

Please make sure you don’t confuse angular size (angular extension) with angular distance from the horizon.

If you have trouble identifying stars, planets and constellations, you can use different apps. One of the apps I use on my phone is called skyview lite.

If you’d like to know more about constellations in the northern hemisphere, you can check out this website.

https://starwalk.space/en/news/constellations-northern-hemisphere Astronomy Observation Log

• What two observations were made on two different days?,

• What astronomical object’s angular extension was measured?,

• What was the angular distance from the horizon of the first object?,

• What was the angular distance from the horizon of the second object?,

• How were the observations combined into a single log?

Comprehensive Answer:

Observation Log

Day 1 (Evening Observation):
On the first observation day, I focused on the Moon and the planet Jupiter. The Moon was in a waxing gibbous phase, bright and clearly visible in the eastern sky. I measured its angular extension using the “fist method” (where a fist at arm’s length covers about 10 degrees). The Moon’s angular extension was roughly 0.5°, which matches standard astronomical values.

For angular distance, I measured the Moon’s height above the horizon. At the time of observation, it was about 30° above the eastern horizon. I also measured Jupiter’s angular distance, which appeared bright and slightly higher in the sky, at approximately 40° above the horizon.

Day 2 (Night Observation):
On the second day, I observed the constellation Orion and the bright star Sirius. Orion’s three-star belt was clearly visible, and its angular extension (from the top star, Betelgeuse, to the bottom star, Rigel) measured approximately 20°.

I then measured angular distances from the horizon. Orion’s belt appeared at about 45° above the southern horizon, while Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky located just below Orion, was about 20° above the horizon.

Combined Observation Log:

1. Day 1

   • Object 1: Moon → Angular extension ≈ 0.5°; Distance from horizon ≈ 30°.

   • Object 2: Jupiter → Distance from horizon ≈ 40°.

2. Day 2

   • Object 1: Orion → Angular extension ≈ 20°; Distance from horizon ≈ 45°.

   • Object 2: Sirius → Distance from horizon ≈ 20°.

Astronomy Observation Log

Summary:
Across two different days, I observed both planetary and stellar objects. The Moon and Jupiter provided opportunities to measure small angular distances and a known angular extension. Orion and Sirius showed how constellations span larger angular extensions and how stars can vary in their elevation above the horizon. These observations demonstrate the practical application of angular measurement techniques and highlight the dynamic sky visible from Earth.