OBJECTIVE: I will do research to find a particularly interesting and well-shot armature astrophotograph during today's class.

I will create a 'dossier' (file) of the specific equipment used by that astrophotographer during today's class (or more likely during tomorrow's class)

WORDS FOR TODAY:

• Right Ascension (Longitude in space)
• Declination (Longitude in space)
• Sidereal Time (time based on Earth's actual rotation. 1 day = 23 h 56 min 4.0905 s)
• Transit (time when an object moves across the meridian)

WORK O' THE DAY: 

There is a large online network of armature astronomers/astrophotographers who enjoy showcasing their successes.

Today you'll do a wee (well it probably won't be anything wee about it!) of research to find a remarkable DSO photograph.

Here's an example

When you find such an amazing photo you'll sing up for it HERE

And then create a 'file' (dossier maybe?) on that object which will include:

• At least 3 narrow band filters (usually Ha, SII & OIII)
• A total exposure time of greater than 20 hours
• A list of the equipment used that must include:
  • The telescope,
  • the auto-focuser,
  • the guiding scope or guiding camera
  • the filters
  • the mount
• A breakdown of the number of exposures for each type of filter and the total time for each filter and the total time for all exposures (which must be greater than 20 hours)

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After you've found all that, do additional searches for each type of equipment and include that in your dossier

Sign up for your object HERE to make sure you are the only person using that object.

The three students with the objects with the LONGEST TOTAL EXPOSURE time get kudo tickets!

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Consider asking the great guru of the Universe (chatGpt) something like:

"I'm working on a project for my high school astronomy class that...."

and spell out the assignments. There are numerous astroophotography message boards that you can scan.

Be persistent, it will take some time. Some images are very cool but their author didn't post much detail.