Space And Astronomy Experiments

Presents new, tested experiments related to the intriguing fields of space science and astronomy. The experiments are designed to promote interest in science both in and out of the classroom, and to improve critical-thinking skills.

Students will reach for the stars without having to leave their own backyards when performing astronomy experiments from Janice VanCleave's new crazy, kooky, and quirky collection. They will find the North Star, demonstrate the path of a satellite, and even build their own astronomical tools using household items. Engaging analyses of experiment results will inspire readers to expand their thinking and to understand astronomy from practical, mathematical, and historical angles alike. Featuring color illustrations and safe, simple step-by-step instructions, students will love learning just how much fun science can be with these twenty-four astronomy experiments.

Experiments deal with such things as measuring celestial bodies, making a spectroscope and telescope, photographing star tracks, gravity, and growing plants in space.

This book presents experiments which will teach physics relevant to astronomy. The astronomer, as instructor, frequently faces this need when his college or university has no astronomy department and any astronomy course is taught in the physics department. The physicist, as instructor, will find this intellectually appealing when faced with teaching an introductory astronomy course. From these experiments, the student will acquire important analytical tools, learn physics appropriate to astronomy, and experience instrument calibration and the direct gathering and analysis of data. Experiments that can be performed in one laboratory session as well as semester-long observation projects are included.

The universe is an incomprehensible expanse of wonder. Perhaps the most wondrous thing is that we can catch a glimpse of it from our backyards. Readers of this cosmic book will learn about outer space through fun, hands-on experiments. Each project can easily be done at home. "What's Happening" sidebars explain the science behind each activity, introducing readers to key astronomy information. Step-by-step instructions and full-color photographs ensure each project is accessible. Readers will reach for the stars with this epic book of astronomy experiments.

Suggests a variety of astronomy projects suitable for science fairs, involving the stars, moon, planets, and Milky Way.

Space experiments have opened practically all electromagnetic windows on the Universe. A discussion of the most important results obtained with multi-frequency photonic astrophysics experiments will provide new input to advance our knowledge of physics, very often in its more extreme conditions. A multitude of high quality data across the whole electromagnetic spectrum came at the scientific community's disposal a few years after the beginning of the Space Era. With these data we are attempting to explain the physics governing the Universe and its origin, which continues to be a matter of the greatest curiosity for humanity. In this book we describe the latest steps of the investigations born with the advent of space experiments. We highlight the most important results, identify unsolved problems, and comment on perspectives we can reasonably expect. This book aims to provide a useful tool for the reader who is not specialized in space astrophysics and for students. Therefore, the book is written in the form of a review with a still reasonable length, taking into account the complexity of the arguments discussed. We do not claim to present a complete picture of the physics governing the Universe, but have rather selected particular topics for a more thorough discussion. A cross section of essays on historical, modern, and philosophical topics is offered and combined with personal views into tricks of the space astrophysics trade.