Constellation Report

Make a five minute oral/PowerPoint presentation to the lab class on one of the constellations.  A good source for information is the Peterson Field Guide to the Stars and Planets, or the Audubon Society Field Guide to the Stars and Planets.  Of course, you can also find lots of information on the internet. You will be graded on the following:

1. A picture of your constellation that is large enough for the class to see.  Be sure your constellation picture is the same orientation as you would see in the night sky.  (Often on-line pictures are not what happens to be out at the time.)  Your Starry Night program is likely a good source.  I suggest labeling the picture on your own, so only your points of interest stand out.  You should be able to rotate the picture to the same orientation as the constellation is in the sky during the month of your presentation.  You might want multiple pictures if you plan on showing different aspects of the constellation.
2. Be able to describe to the class how to find your constellation.  Some constellations are very bright and rather easy to find (e.g. Ursa Major or Orion).  However, most require "pointers."  These pointers may be nearby bright stars or constellations.  You can show a wide-field view from your Starry Night software.  Note that usually a 90 degree (wide) field of view rather than a 180 degree (fisheye) field is easier to interpret.  The main idea, though, is how to find your constellation.  When does it rise?  Which direction is it tonight right after dark?  How high in the sky?
3. Describe some interesting objects you can find in your constellation.  (nebulae, galaxies, double stars, star clusters, etc.)  Tell if you can see these objects with binoculars or if you need a telescope.  Show where these objects are by using your picture.  You should show at least 4-5 objects that do not require a Hubble-type telescope to see.  If you need to go outside the boundaries of your constellation to get more or more interesting objects, then do that.  (Some constellations will require this!)
4. Briefly give some of the history and mythology (from the culture of your choice) for your constellation.  Even if you think this is the most interesting part, don't overemphasize it, as it is only 20% of your total.
5. Class participation.  Respect the speaker with your attention.