1. What Is Astronomy? Write this on a new sheet of looseleaf
GOAL: Today you will learn how to describe the position of celestial objects.
At the end of this lesson you will be able to:
• Distinguish between apparent motion and real motion of celestial objects
• Define azimuth, altitude, and zenith
Write this on a new sheet of looseleaf

2. So what is a celestial object?

3. Celestial object:
Any object that is visible in the sky, but is beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
Examples?

4. Apparent motion vs. Real motion
Celestial Objects appear to move in circular paths (arcs) that are centered on Polaris at a rate of 15⁰/hr
Apparent motion
More stars around Polaris

5. Star Trails

7. Celestial sphere -imaginary surface of the sky

9. Describing positions of celestial objects

10. Express compass directions as degrees

11. Azimuth-Direction Altitude-Angle from horizon

12. Now draw this

13. Draw in an observer

14. Label the horizon and compass directionsW S N E
HORIZON

15. Label the Zenith
Zenith W S N E
HORIZON

16. Draw the position of Polaris for an observer in NYS

17. Draw the position of the Sun at sunrise

18. Draw the position of the Sun at sunset