Summary Queens University ASTR 101 midterm modules 1-4 Review Guide.
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Course
ASTR 101 (ASTR101)
Institution
Queen’s University (QU
)
Astronomy midterm modules 1-4
Module 1; narration 1:
Introduction to Astronomy as a Branch of Physics and the different kind of
astronomers:
● Astronomy is a branch of physics; the physics of planets, stars, galaxies and the
universe
● There are different kinds of astronomists; theorists,...
Introduction to Astronomy as a Branch of Physics and the different kind of
astronomers:
● Astronomy is a branch of physics; the physics of planets, stars, galaxies and the
universe
● There are different kinds of astronomists; theorists, instrument builders,
observers, etc. (the prof is an observational astronomer)
Astronomy's Uniqueness:
● Astronomy is unique as it takes us out into the realm of planets, stars and
galaxies
● Astronomers deal with things that are very tiny (such as subatomic particles that
participate in the thermonuclear reactions that power the stars)
● Astronomy is also unique because of its sound
● Sound travels relatively slowly through air, causing a delay between a loud noise
and its perception in remote locations.
● Sound doesn't travel in space due to the vacuum
● Radio waves are a form a light; light travels a million times faster than sound
● The third uniqueness is contact; The "Contact" movie clip illustrates the idea that
the human brain can strive to comprehend the entire universe.
● The ability to seek understanding of the universe is considered remarkable and
wonderful.
Telescopes as Time Machines:
● Telescopes allow us to observe objects as they existed in the distant past.
● The example of the nearby galaxy M31 is given, which is seen as it was two
million years ago.
● Telescopes are described as time machines, enabling us to look into the past of
the universe.
,Module 1; narration 2:
Introduction:
● Astronomy is the first and oldest science
● Every culture on earth observes and interprets astronomical phenomena,
including the daily behaviour of the sun;
- The monthly coming and going of the moon
- Patterns of stars
- Seasonal change; and the constellation change with the seasonal change
- The appearance/motion of visible planets
Cultural Interpretations
● Different cultures had diverse interpretations of astronomical events
● Some cultures kept written astronomical records, while others relied on oral
traditions and artistic representations
Pleiades
● Pleiades; an equatorial star grouping that is visible from both the northern and
southern hemisphere
● The pleiades are known as the “seven sisters”
● Representations of the Pleiades exist in various cultures:
○ Lakota culture (North America)
○ Sumerian clay tablet (Mesopotamia)
○ Pawnee star map (North America)
○ Australian Aboriginal representation
○ Nebra star disk (Germany, 1600 BCE)
Ursa Major - The Great Bear
● This is the constellation that contains the big dipper; it is found in the northern
hemisphere
● Possible shared cultural heritage predating migration to North America.
● The word "arctic" derives from the Greek word "arctos," meaning "the bear."
, Polaris - The Pole Star
● This is a singular star, also found in the northern hemisphere; the star that is
known as the compass star
● Located directly above the north pole of the earth; does not move as the earth
rotates
● Serves as a navigational beaker
● AKA the “going home star”
Archaeoastronomy and Ethnoastronomy
● The finding and records of many cultures and societies regarding astronomy are
only now being fully explored by the western world
● Many findings/records were ignored or lost due to world wars and colonized
separations
● This has changed now as the new fields of archaeoastronomy and
ethnoastronomy are growing and developing very rapidly indeed.
Pre-Historical Sites:
● There are several prehistoric sites of astronomical significance all around the
world, except for antarctica
● Stonehenge, in southern England, is one of the most iconic examples.
● Stone circles and alignments can be found worldwide, often with astronomical
significance.
Stonehenge
Unique features:
● It is unique because of the size of the stones, which are very tall
● It is also unique because the stones are themselves shaped, to some degree;
held together by a “mortise and tenon” structure which is used to help them stay
together
● The stonehenge stones are very old
● Stonehenge is larger than the obvious set of stones
● Various arguments have been made about the astronomical significance of some
of the features in Stonehenge, but it is complicated by the fact that if you stand
within the circle and look in almost any direction, you are bound to see an
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