Investigating Motions of the Sky

Here are some digital resources you may use with this Unit of the Investigating Astronomy Curriculum.

Exploration One: Motions of the Sun in the Sky

Activity 4: Observing Local Sunset

   Sunrise and Sunset Time Data

Exploration Three: Motions of the Stars in the Sky

First Thoughts: Making Claims

Activity 2: Considering Constellations

   Star Finder

Exploration Four: Motions of the Planets in the Sky

Activity 3: Modeling Retrograde Motion

NASA's 2003: Mars Retrograde Animation Mars Retrograde Motion Applet Venus Retrograde Motion Animation

Going Further

Motion of the Sun in the Sky and Sea Surface

Exploring an Archaeastronomy Site: Bighorn Medicine Wheel

Unit Review: Extending Your Work

Stargazing Evening: Planning an Observing Session—the Astronomical Society of the Pacific provides a list of things to consider before you host a star party

Starlab

MicroObservatory

Recommended Resources

Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP)—the largest general astronomy society in the world

Astronomy Magazine—a monthly magazine for amateur astronomers

Sky and Telescope—a monthly magazine providing articles and information on all aspects of astronomy, space exploration, telescope equipment, and amateur telescopes

Binocular Stargazing by Mike D. Reynolds (Stackpole Books, 2005, ISBN:0811731367)—an easy-to-use guidebook for observing the sky with binoculars

Stargazer: The Life and Times of the Telescope by Fred Watson (Da Capo Press, 2005, ISBN:0-306-81432-3)—a book on the history of the telescope and people involved in that story

Maya Cosmos by David Freidel, Linda Schele, and Joy Parker—a book about archeology, astronomy, and one interpretation of the creation story of Maya, a Native american people of southern Mexico and northern Central America