1. March 21, 2005 Matter and Energy B Ms. Janney Watkins Mill High School 9th grade “Matter and Energy” and JPL “Solar System Ambassador”

2. Today is “Sun-Earth Day” Spring Equinox, aka Spring Equinox, aka the “Vernal Equinox” the “Vernal Equinox” Sun rises exactly in the East and sets exactly in the West Sun rises exactly in the East and sets exactly in the West In the sky for exactly 12 hours In the sky for exactly 12 hours

3. Ancient Observatories What is an “observatory”? What is an “observatory”? Why do we use observatories today? Why do we use observatories today? Why would ancient civilizations use observatories? Why would ancient civilizations use observatories?

4. Archeoastronomy The study of the astronomical practices, celestial lore, mythologies, religions and world-views of all ancient cultures The study of the astronomical practices, celestial lore, mythologies, religions and world-views of all ancient cultures After reading this definition, what are some things you already know about this topic? After reading this definition, what are some things you already know about this topic?

5. Ancient Observatories

6. Patterns in solar observations What are some patterns that you have observed related to the Sun? What are some patterns that you have observed related to the Sun? Why do these patterns exist? Why do these patterns exist? How do we use these patterns in our daily lives today? How do we use these patterns in our daily lives today? How did ancient civilizations use these patterns in the past? How did ancient civilizations use these patterns in the past?

7. Webcast: Ancient Observatories Before watching this webcast, answer these questions: Before watching this webcast, answer these questions: 1) What causes the seasons? 2) When is the Earth closest to the Sun? 3) Does the Sun always pass overhead in the same place? Does it follow the same path across the sky?