Astronomy Weekly Schedule

The objective of this exercise is for you to begin looking at the sky, making observations and asking questions about what you see. This exercise will not take long (plan about 45 minutes), but cannot be rushed. Use it as a study break or for something to do to relax. On a clear night, find a dark place with few lights. Take along a pillow and a blanket and perhaps some bug spray, and park yourself on the ground looking up at the sky. Just let your eye wander a bit. Start taking notice of what you see. What observations about the night sky can you make with just your eyes? Do all the stars look the same? Make a list of everything you notice. If you happen to have binoculars, take them along. How much more can you see with binoculars? Add your binocular observations to your list. As you look at the sky, what questions come to mind? Make a list of these questions. Remember, no question is trivial, no observation is silly. Again, it is important you do not try to rush through this exercise. Turn in a list of your observations, and a list of your questions. Take your time, relax, and enjoy the sky.