Midterm 1 Learning Goals and Supplemental Resources
[Fix, Astronomy: Journey to the Cosmic Frontier, 4/e, Chapter 6]
[Reading guide (*.pdf)]
[CPS inquiry questions (*.pdf)]
[CPS review questions (*.pdf)]
(Study all learning goals from Quiz 1, Quiz 2, and Quiz 3, in addition to those listed below.)
- Provide and describe characteristics of electromagnetic radiation (gamma-X-UV-VIBGYOR-IR-radio "spectrum") as different frequency/wavelength waves, or energy "photons" that all travel with the same speed "c."
- Fig. 6.5 from Fix, Astronomy, Journey to the Cosmic Frontier, 4/e (*.gif)
Modified to show both decreasing wavelengths (increasing frequencies, or ROYGBIV), or increasing wavelengths (decreasing frequencies, or VIBGYOR) plotted left-to-right.
- Electromagnetic Spectrum handout (*.pdf)
This chart is provided in Midterm 1, and thus need not be memorized. Familiarize yourself with the different form of electromagnetic radiation, and the relative amounts that are transmitted through the Earth's atmosphere.
- Describe and understand the similarities/differences/advantages/disadvantages between how optical refractor and reflector telescopes work.
- In-class activity 7, Telescope Types and Components (*.pdf)
Identify and describe the different parts of telescopes used by the Cuesta College astronomy program.
- Flickr.com photoset:
See how the sizes of refractors and reflectors scale differently as their objective lens/mirror is made as large as possible.
- Describe and understand how light is measured and recorded by optical telescopes and other instruments, and what characteristics are needed to maximize optical image qualtiy.
- Images:
Simulated views comparing the old Bowen Observatory (8" reflector) telesecope versus Hubble Space Telescope.
- Understand advantages/disadvantages of using telescopes to detect certain wavelengths of light on the surface of the Earth, and/or in outer space, due to the absorption/passage of electromagnetic radiation, atmospheric turbulence, and/or light pollution.
- In-class activity 8, Telescope Funding (*.pdf)
Discuss the factors involved in optimizing the location of telescopes that detect different types of electromagnetic radiation.
- Starry Night files:
Toggle Sky > Light Pollution ... > None/Small City/Large City settings to simulate the effect of streetlights on the night sky.
- Websites:
- Light Pollution and Dark-Sky Links
For reference (University of California Lick Observatory).
- Adaptive optics
Side -by-side comparison of of a simulated star without, and with adaptive optics that would distort the objective mirror to compensate for "twinkling" (Wikipedia.org).
- Understand how radio telescopes work, and what characteristics are needed to maximize image quality.
- NASA Astronomy Pictures of the Day:
Archived Quizzes and Exams
Please read the disclaimer regarding archived quizzes and exams before downloading.
To view the interactive Starry Night (*.snf) files used in lecture, first download them to your hard drive (Internet Explorer users should right-click to "download link to disk"), and then open them using the Starry Night Pro program (available on the CD-ROM enclosed with Astronomy: Journey to the Cosmic Frontier, 4/e).
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