Purpose:
NASA and other organizations have a number of observatories, both space and ground-based. Over the course of the semester we have learned about many different astronomical concepts and used observations from these observatories to illustrate the concepts. Unfortunately there is not enough time during class to thoroughly discuss all of the interesting observatories and their discoveries. While completing this project, you will learn about your chosen observatory, discoveries made using this observatory, and effectively convey that information to me and your peers. This is also an opportunity to your knowledge gained during the semester.
Instructions:
Pick an observatory from the following list: Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope
Included a bibliography. Cite your sources using any format you prefer (e.g. MLA, APA, etc)
Make a scientific poster (use the given template) describing your observatory in detail. Your poster must have the following sections:
General Information:
Include the following information:
- Name of your observatory (2 pts)
- Picture of your observatory (2 pts)
- Description of observatory (What kind of telescope/observatory is this, how does it work,anything that makes it unique/interesting (5 pts)
- What type of wavelengths of light does your observatory function in? (2 pts)
- What kinds of objects/phenomena is this observatory used for? Why is it used for these types ofobjects/phenomena? (4 pts)Discoveries:
• Summarize (in a few sentences/short paragraph) 3 major discoveries from your observatory (7pts each).
• Include images/graphs to illustrate each discovery you are discussing (2 pts each)You will be asked to present your poster in class and give a short (3-5 min) oral summary of your. I will ask you a question related to your observatory and part of your grade will reflect how prepared you are for this.
Presentation:
- Summary of findings (5 pts)
- Ability to answer related question (4 pts)
Research Tips
- Most observatories have a mission-specific website. Use this as a starting point.
- Most mission websites have press releases that highlight important discoveries. Use these!
- NASA.gov has comprehensive information about many different astronomical objects andmissions.
- If you’re uncertain about the validity or trustworthiness of a website or other source, please askme.
- If you need help understanding aspects of the science, please talk to me.
Grading Rubric:
(see point breakdown above for details)
Correct format of poster: 2 pts General Information: 16 pts Discoveries: 27 pts Presentation: 6 pts Bibliography and Citations: 4 pts Total: 55 pts
Recommended Sources for Research:
General sources:
www.astronomynow.com
jpl.nasa.gov
civspace.jhuapl.edu/
www.nasa.gov
www.teachastronomy.com www.space.com www.skyandtelescope.com http://www.astronomy.com/
www.esa.int (The European Space Agency)www.spaceflightnow.com www.astrobites.com
Your textbook!
Mission-specific website
NOTE: WIKIPEDIA IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE SOURCE. You may use Wikipedia as a starting place and follow links cited within Wikipedia, but you may not use Wikipedia as a source.
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