Physics Home > Teaching Labs > Astronomy > Star Clusters

Topics

Points of Emphasis

Prerequisites

Lab Activities

The students use the observatory telescope to view and sketch two star clusters. For each cluster they are required to answer the following questions:

1. What type of star cluster was seen first and what type was seen second?
2. Which of the two clusters is probably older? Why?
3. Which of the two clusters probably had the highest abundance of atoms more complex than helium? Why?
4. Estimate the apparent diameter of the globular cluster and its distance from earth.
5. Where, relative to the sun, are each of these two clusters located?

Course Level

Introductory

Student Handouts

Equipment

Notes

Last Update:

Site contact: largent@Dartmouth.EDU

Top     Physics Home     Lecture/Demo     Site Map