Observation Journal Essay - 1100 Words

Observation Journal (Essay Sample) Content: NameCourseInstructorDateObservation JournalFirst observation As night approaches, it becomes apparent that it will not be very visible unlike the previous month. On the 15th of October, 2014, at 9 p.m., I undertook to observe night fall together with a group of friends. Beginning with the northern direction it was easier to pinpoint the stars and constellation after having mapped out all the directions properly. In the case of direction, the northern course was the basis for many observations, it is important to understand how to use all the equipment given that one needs to be more comfortable using the naked eye, binoculars as well as telescope for further observation. At the same time, handling all the equipment requires. The role of sketching has played a more prominent role, and after sketching I found it easier to put more details on earlier observations. The risk associated with light pollution is that the stars may not be easily visible. Nonetheless, during the observation there were few sources of light pollution, and as such there was a need. The sky was dark, and although there were visible human activities around the observatory, there was no risk of light pollution. This has been critical to proper observation given that quality lighting that is not directed to the night sky made it easier to observe. In any case, there is a last quarter moon visible, before, Orionids appeared (Skymaps a). At the same time, the remnants of meteor shower do not appear to have any direct effect on the dark skies, providing an opportunity to view any possible the possible effects of the meteors, while also anticipating for the Orionids. Spring was almost over, and this provides an opportunity to observe the Big Dipper as seen in the North West direction as well as the North Star and the Little Dipper. The North Star provides direction to the other stars, where mapping facilitates on to pinpoint on the direction of the brightest and most visible sta rs. Towards the west to the South west direction is a bright star visible, probably the Bootes. Given that there were traces of summer, the viewing was good. The distinctly yellowish appearing Capella was visible, there were various bright stars which can also be seen with the naked eye, but relying on sky mapping highlighted that was likely that they were the Altair and Deneb. When using the binoculars, there are clusters of stars which were visibleMars was the most visible at night among all the planets, but even then for short periods of time. Nonetheless, for star gazers, the day was perfect to spot glimpses of the planet. Even though, the planet is characterized with a reddish brown color, this is only faintly visible as the night approaches. Nonetheless, to be able to appreciate the planets features there was a need to further observe the planets sightings earlier when it is possible to identify the icy and rusty features. Overall, the success of the observation was dependen t on ability to handle equipment, interpret information as well ability as rely on the sky maps. Second observationThe second observation was on November, 15, 2014 exactly one month since the last time, I reflected, wrote and observed the night sky. It has-been an incredible journey, and I have learned on the value of recollection as well as continuous learning. In order to align the sky map with the observations it is important to interpret the sightings from various locations. In the case of the South side, the constellation is the one directly facing a person at the bottom. The East is on the left, west on the right and North behind. On the other hand when looking East, the constellation is towards the bottom, while the North is on the left, the South to the right and the West behind. Another direction is locking West, with the west side near the bottom, the North being on the right, while the South and East are on the left and behind respectively. The sprinkling of meteors for d ays prior to that of the observation as well as the 15th of November provided the perfect opportunity to observe the night sky. The remnants and activities of these meteors gave rise to bright skies, and there was low level of light pollution despite the activities of these meteors. The night sky provided a display of various stars, allowing me to compare the changes that had taken place over the four weeks. The display of stars as well as constellations provided an opportunity. Unlike the previous observation, sightings of the moon at the apogee were visible after First Quarter Moon was observed (Skymaps b). Unlike in mid Oct...