Observational Parameter

Observational Parameters
Santosh Takale
B. Tech (Mech. Engg.), Scientific Officer, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 09967584554 / [e-mail]

Astronomy Studies
• Theoretical • Observational
– Field Observation Aspects – Required theoretical Aspects

Field Observation Aspects
• What we are Looking for ?
– – – – – – – – Constellations Nakshtras Sunsigns Planets Notable Stars Meteor Shower Galaxies, Dwarf Galaxies Messier Objects, Nebulae, Star Clusters etc.

Field Observation Aspects

• What are the references ?
– Horizon – Directions – Pole Star – Some known objects (constelln) – Planetary Position

• Aids / Accessories
– Star Maps – Software : Stellarium, Celestia – Binocular & Telescopes

Field Observation Aspects

• Measuring Sky with Deg, Min & Seconds ?
– Pole Star at 19 degree from horizon (Mum) – Full Moon /Sun – 0.5 degree (30 min) Link – M44 ( Beehive cluster) – 90 min – Smallest constelln (Crux) – 68.45 sq deg – Biggest Constelln (Hydra) – 1304 sq deg

• Thumb Rules for Degree measurement :
– Fist 10 deg, Raised Thumb 5 deg – Raised Thumb with little finger & Fist 19 deg – Mumbai : 19 deg Latt. & 72 deg Long.
– India betn : 57 to 97 & 8 to 37 (Long /Latt)

Field Observation Aspects

• Guide lines for Sky observations :
– Wait & Watch (7 to 10 minutes for eyes to acclimatize) – Initialize sky observation from Home terrace

• A, B, C, S of Sky observations?
– A : Aviation Head lights – B : Migratory Birds – C : Clouds – S : Space awareness

Required Theoretical Aspects
• • • • • • • • Distances & Units ? Techniques of measurements & Limits ? Velocities of celestial Objects ? Magnitude, Scales & Calculations ? HR, Planck & Wien’s ? Colour Index ? Standard Candles ? Scales – ZOOM IN ?

Distances & Units • mm, cm, inch, feet, yard, meter, furlong, km, miles . • AU, LY, Parsec. • Pico, nano, micro, mili, Kilo, mega, giga, tera. • • • • • • • • • Avg. Human Height : 1.5 to 2 meter. Plane fly at