Night Sky Journal

People have been looking to the stars for information, inspiration, and recreation for tens of thousands of years. That passive observation turned methodical at least 3000 years ago, when the first written records of their observations (that we know of) were made. These records were used to create calendars, improve agricultural practices, guide navigation, structure religious practices, etc.

            Though technology has come a long way since then, a true understanding of Astronomy must begin the same way our ancestors began thousands of years ago—by looking at the sky. Over the next few weeks, make observations of the night sky and keep a journal of what you see. At the end, summarize any patterns or interesting phenomena that you noticed.

Instructions:

• Go outside at the same time each, for about two weeks, and observe the night sky.
• Keep a journal, following the format below, of each night’s observations.
• Write a summary (1/2- 1 page) discussing what you observed, and anything interesting you noticed over those 2 weeks.

Journal and Summary Due: Monday, September 10

Journal Format:

Date:                                                                    Time:

Location (city):

Written observations:

Drawing: