Reach for the Stars

Presented by Linder WinterNational Event SupervisorMember: E-S Rules Committee

The Chandra X-ray CenterSponsors my participation.

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Presentation Outline

Resources

1. Clinic website

2. Stellar Journey Game

3. Stellar Cycle Cards

4. Other Worlds Educational Enterprises handout Event rules discussion Content information for participants

Reach for the Stars

Part I: Event Rules

Event Rotation

The original “Reach for the Stars” event has been split into two separate, rotating events. Each topic has a consecutive two-year run.1. Reach for the Stars (2008-2009)2. The Solar System (2010-2011)3. Pattern is then repeated …

Motivation for splitting the event was to spread the immense body of accumulated knowledge over a longer period of time.

Deviation from the Original“Reach for the Stars” Event

“Reach for the Stars” is now solely a “stars” event and, as such, will no longer include:

1. location and identification of planets on star charts, etc.

2. the term “zodiac” to avoid the pseudo-science of astrology.

3. or references to asterisms.

Parent/Community Volunteers

With the ever-increasing responsibilities associated with teaching, seek out volunteers to coach as many of the events as possible.

Parents, especially, like their children to be successful and cherish opportunities to play a larger role in their lives.

Parent/Community Volunteers

Should you choose to pass this event on to a volunteer, provide him/her with a copy of this PowerPoint presentation. It will provide guidance and direction for individuals unfamiliar with the Science Olympiad.

Check with the volunteer frequently to provide assistance and check on participant progress.

Keep Informed!

Encourage your Science Olympiad participants to visit the NSO Clarifications Page for recent updates. The URL for clarifications is linked to: http://www.soinc.org The menu item is “FAQ.”

It is crucial that this be done at least one week prior to each competition.

Only those clarifications posted on the Official NSO website and direct information from your own State and Regional Directors are valid!

Description

Students will demonstrate an understand-ing and basic knowledge of stellar properties, stellar evolution, open and globular clusters, and spiral, elliptical and irregular galaxies.

Event Parameters

The only resource permitted is one 8.5” x 11.5” two-sided page of notes containing information in any form from any source.

Suggested information as to what to include on the resource sheet follows. Participants may think of other items they believe might also be helpful.

Event Parameters

Suggested information to include on the resource sheet for each star:

a. Name. Example. Solb. Classification. G2Vc. Evolutionary stage. Main sequenced. Constellatione. RA/Declination, i.e. locationf. Unique characteristics, if any

Event Parameters

Suggested information to include on the resource sheet for each Deep Sky Object:

a. Nameb. Constellationc. Messier number, i.e. M1, M13, etc.d. Kind of object: SNR, Globular cluster,

etc.e. RA/Declination (for location)f. Thumbnail imageg. Unique characteristics

Event Parameters –Suggested Resource Materials

H-R Diagram including the names of the stars Stages in the life cycle of a mid-sized star Stages in the life cycle of a massive star Characteristics of open & globular clusters Characteristics of spiral, elliptical and irregular galaxies Diagram of the Sun displaying its features and a brief

description of each Labeled diagrams of the constellations including the

stars and deep sky objects within them Glossary of frequently used and confusing terms

The Competition

The event is divided into two parts1. Notes may be used in both

2. Parts I and II may be combined

The Competition: Star Charts, Portable Star Labs, etc.

Participants will be asked to identify some or all of the stars, constellations and deep sky objects included in the official stars and objects list as they appear on star charts, H-R diagrams, portable star labs, photos, slides or in planetariums.

The Competition: List with Key Note: Constellations are underlined; stars

are bold face; and deep sky objects are italicized.

Objects preceded by an asterisk are new for 2009.

Participants must provide their own clipboards and red-filtered flashlights, unless officially notified otherwise.

The Competition

Part I: Coaching suggestions – Star Chartsa. Discuss the keys that generally accompany star charts.b. Compare right ascension and declination to latitude

and longitudec. Instruct participants on how to locate stars and deep sky objects using R.A./Declination.d. Make certain participants are able to properly record the R.A./Declination (R.A. following by declination)

The Competition: Stellar Evolution Participants should know the current stage

of each star and deep sky object Frequent observations of the night sky to

note star colors, relative positions to “neighboring” stars, and the seasons during which each is visible.

The Competition: Sky Observations

Associate the various stars and objects with the constellations in which they are found.

It is sometimes easiest to first locate the constellation and then the stars and objects that are in the constellation.

At other times it is easiest to first locate a star and then its constellation.

The Competition: Sky Observations

Stars are seasonal! This means that only between a quarter and a third of the stars on the list may be visible on any given (clear) night.

A few very late observations (after midnight) reveals stars that are not visible earlier in the evening. (Adult supervision required.)

Stars

Stars and objects in the list were selected to represent the various stages in the lives of stars.

The Large and Small Magellanic Clouds have been included in the list Science Olympiad list as there are no comparable objects visible to the unaided eye in the Northern skies.

Constellations

Constellations have been included1. for historical purposes,2. for ease of locating specific objects in the sky,3. and for those individuals fascinated with their mythological and literary history.

Participants should be aware that constellations are imaginary groupings of stars with limited scientific significance, except for astronomical reference, i.e. Cas A, Sgr A*, etc.

Part II: Hands-On orInterpretive Tasks

Participants will be asked to complete one or more hands-on or interpretive tasks selected from the following topics:

1. Characteristics of the Sun as an average-size star

2. Spectral classification of stars

3. Evolutionary stages of stars, open and globular clusters, and galaxies

National ScienceEducational Standards

The NSES have been included in all E-S Event rules to:

1. Align the events with the NSES

2. Make it easier for those teachers who wish to justify E-S event content within their curriculum

Spectral Classification

Standard means of recording the classification of a star. Example: The Sun is a G2V star.

1. Letter of class – O, B, A, F, G, K, M

2. Temperature number – 0 to 9

3. Luminosity category – Ia, Ib, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII

Spectral Classification

Each star class is divided into 10 sub-classes, ranging from 0 (hottest) to 9 (coolest).

Spectral Classification

Luminosity Classes are designated by Roman numerals I thru VII, in order of decreasing luminosity:

1. Ia - most luminous supergiants2. Ib - less luminous supergiants3. II - luminous giants 4. III - normal giants5. IV - subgiants6. V - main sequence and dwarfs 7. VI - subdwarfs8. VII - white dwarfs

Spectral Classification

Color of a star is dependent upon on its temperature 1. Red Stars are Cooler 2. Blue Stars are Hotter 3. (Very distant, dim stars appear white to the eye.)

Spectral Classification 1. Classify stars by their spectral lines 2. Spectral differences are due mostly to temperature, not

composition. Spectral Sequence (Temperature Sequence): O B A F G

K M L T

Spectral Classification

The traditional mnemonics for remembering the spectral types are based on the old Harvard OBAFGKM system.

1. Harvard (1920s): Oh Be A Fine Girl, Kiss Me

2. Berkeley (late `60s): Oh Buy A Fine Green Kilo Man

3. Caltech (late `70s): On Bad Afternoons Fermented Grapes Kept Mrs. (Richard Nixon Smiling)

Reach for the Stars

Part II: Coaching Resources

Coaching Resources:Stellar Bingo

Objective: To provide a fun, hands-on experience for participants to become familiar with stellar images representing a variety of stages in the lives of stars.

This activity is available on the clinic’s website. If your kids enjoy the activity, it’s best to download it a.s.a.p. as it won’t be available forever.

Coaching Resources:Stellar Bingo

In a Bingo-type format, each player is given a card with numbered images.

When a clue is read, players attempt to match the clue with the photos on his/her card.

If a matching image appears on the card, a marker is placed on that image.

Discussion may follow as needed and adjustments made, add or remove marker.

Coaching Resources:Star Clues

Introduces students to the H-R Diagram through a challenging activity requiring students to complete a chart from a series of clues.

http://www.tufts.edu/as/wright_center/products/sci_olympiad/sci_olympiad_astro.html

Scroll down to: • Astronomy (Practice Activity - C Division)

Ignore the C-Division recommendation as H-R Diagrams are now a part of B-Division also.

The following slides provide a preview of this activity.

StarName

SpectralType

LuminosityClass

H-R Type Distance AbsoluteMagnitude

ApparentMagnitude

Color

Sirius V

Canopus F Ia -0.72

Arcturus +0.2 -0.04

Aldebaran Far

Spica Blue

Antares -5.2 +1.0

Deneb A Ia

Regulus B MainSequence

-0.3

Altair A +0.8

Capella G Giant +0.4

Rigel Supergiant +0.1

Sample Clue

Clue Card Information:

The absolute magnitudes of Regulus and Aldebaran are of equal value.

The chart provides the absolute magnitude for Regulus, but not for Aldebaran.

The clue card states that the absolute magnitude of these two stars are the same.

Therefore you know and may enter the absolute magnitude of Aldebaran on the chart.

StarName

SpectralType

LuminosityClass

H-R Type Distance AbsoluteMagnitude

ApparentMagnitude

Color

Sirius V

Canopus F Ia -0.72

Arcturus +0.2 -0.04

Aldebaran Far -0.3

Spica Blue

Antares -5.2 +1.0

Deneb A Ia

Regulus B MainSequence

-0.3

Altair A +0.8

Capella G Giant +0.4

Rigel Supergiant +0.1

Coaching Resources:Star Clues

The cards are shuffled and read at random. Sometimes the clue provided on a card is helpful;

sometimes it is not. If the information on the card is relevant, the information

may be entered on the chart and the card set aside. If the information is not relevant at this time, the card is

placed at the bottom of the deck. The information on all cards will eventually provide useful information for completing the chart.

The next card is then drawn.

StarName

SpectralType

LuminosityClass

H-R Type Distance AbsoluteMagnitude

ApparentMagnitude

Color

Sirius A V MainSequence

Near +1.5 -1.5 White

Canopus F Ia Supergiant Far -2.5 -0.72 PaleYellow

Arcturus K III Giant Medium +0.2 -0.04 Orange

Aldebaran K III Giant Far -0.3 +0.9 Orange

Spica B V MainSequence

Far -3.2 +1.0 Blue

Antares M Ib Supergiant Far -5.2 +1.0 Coral

Deneb A Ia Supergiant Far -7.2 +1.3 White

Regulus B V MainSequence

Far -0.3 +1.4 Blue

Altair A V MainSequence

Near +2.3 +0.8 White

Capella G III Giant Medium +0.4 +0.08 Gold

Rigel B 1a Supergiant Far -8.1 +0.1 Blue

Coaching Resources:Practice Exam

This exam is available on the clinic website. It utilizes the Stellar Cycle Cards distributed during this session and is also available at no cost to educators from the Chandra X-ray Center. To request one or more sets of cards, visit: http://chandra.harvard.edu/edu/formal/stellar_cycle/

Coaching Resources:STELLAR JOURNEY: The Game

STELLAR JOURNEY: The Game presents a simulation of star life from birth through death. The game is a very hands-on, exciting, and relevant to Reach for the Stars and Astronomy events of the SO. To learn more, visit:

www.otherworlds-edu.com

Request a Free Stellar Evolution Poster from the Chandra X-ray Center

Request two posters – one to post the front of the poster (shown) and one to post for the information on the back

http://chandra.harvard.edu/edu/formal/stellar_ev/

Coaching Resources:The Game of SPACE

The Game of SPACE quizzes players on their knowledge of Stars, Planets, Astronomy, Constellations and Exploration.

New 2008 edition is now available.

www.otherworlds-edu.com

Coaching Resources:Internet

Discuss the importance of consulting only “reliable” web sites when surfing the web.

Ask students to limit their searches to legitimate organizations: NASA, NOAA, USGS, colleges and other trustworthy public and private institutions, etc. Almost any information students may require is quite likely to be found on these sites.

Does the organization appear to have an agenda? Example: Is the “global warming” debate really over? If a site fails this test, ask students to continue their search elsewhere.

Discuss questioning information that appears at odds with information obtained from legitimate sites. If someone has a “gut-feeling” that something being said is a bit “far-out,” it just may be.

Coaching Resources:Internet

Previously administered Astronomy and Reach for the Stars exams have been posted on The Wright Center Website. Many of the C-Division exams are now relevant to the B-Division event. Use “Wright Center Science Olympiad” as the key phrase. Click on the SO Logo on the left of the page to be taken to the site.

Coaching Resources:Internet

Excellent information on Stellar Evolution may be found on the Chandra X-ray Center website. Visit:

http://chandra.harvard.edu/edu/formal/stellar_ev/story/

Coaching Resources:Internet

An article on stellar evolution appearing in the World Book Encyclopedia, written in cooperation with NASA, may be found at:

http://www.nasa.gov/worldbook/star_worldbook.html

Reach for the Stars

Part III: Information and test-taking skills for participants

Test-Taking Strategies

Listen carefully to all instructions provided at the beginning of the session.

Read all information included on the exam. Ignore any and all comments regarding how well

or how poorly other members of your team have performed during previous events.

Decide upon roles for you and your partner well in advance of the competition.

Stellar Evolution of Stars

Formation in a stellar nursery … through birth … each life stage … and final product – (white dwarf, neutron star, black hole).

Stellar Evolution of Stars

Participants may anticipate having to interpret one or more charts or graphs.

The following two slides are examples of the kind of charts or graphs a supervisor might include.

Participants could “brain storm” several questions that might be asked about these particular charts and graphs.

H-R Diagram

Star Clusters: Definition

Gravitationally-bound collection of stars that formed from the same gas cloud.

Open Clusters

1. Contain a few (typically tens to thousands of) young stars

2. Individual stars are easily resolved

Image: WIYN Telescope, Kitt Peak

Open Clusters

3. Open clusters are collections of hot, recently formed stars found preferentially in the spiral arms of the galaxy.

4. Stars within open clusters eventually disperse.Credit: AURA, NOAO, NSF

Globular Clusters

1. Are found in the haloes of galaxies2. Contain from tens of thousands to millions of ancient stars crowded into a more or less spherical volume of space.

Image: Hubble Space Telescope

Globular Clusters

3. Their central density is sufficiently high that individual stars cannot be resolved from earth-based telescopes

Image: Sonoita Observatories

Spiral Galaxies

1. Disk-shaped, usually with a bulge at the center and arms spiraling outwards

2. Tend to contain more middle-aged stars along with clouds of gas and dust

The spiral galaxy NGC 1309

Spiral Galaxies

Image courtesy Richard Crisp

3. Spiral galaxies contain large concentrations of gas and dust.

4. The spiral arms are waves of star formation swirling around the galaxy.

5. New stars are hot and bright. They light up the gas and dust in the arms.

Elliptical Galaxies

1. Contain older stars and very little gas and dust

2. Can be different shapes ranging from round, to flattened, elongated spheres.

3.Orbits of stars within elliptical galaxies are in random directions

NOAO/AURA/NSF

Elliptical Galaxies

4. Contain modest amounts of cool and warm gas, though not as much as found in spiral galaxies.

5. There are generally not enough gases to support much star formation.

NOAO/AURO/NSF

Galactic Types & Structure

Irregular galaxies

1. Poorly-defined structures

2. Have lots of young stars, dust and gas.

3.Show evidence of extensive star formation

Image courtesy of Richard Crisp.

Constellation: Andromeda

Deep Sky Object: Andromeda Galaxy M-31

Constellation: *Aquarius

Deep Sky Object: *Helix Nebula

The Helix Nebula is one of the closest and apparently one of the largest planetary nebulae known.

Constellation: Aquila

Star: Altair Spectral Type: A7V Main Sequence

Constellation: Auriga

Star: Capella Spectral Type: G8 III Red Giant

Constellation: Bootes

Star: Arcturus – Spectral Type: K2 III Red Giant

Brightest star in the Northern Hemisphere

Constellation: Cancer

Deep Sky Object:

M44 Beehive

Tom Bash and John Fox/Adam Block/NOAO/AURA/NSF

Constellation: Canes Venatici

Deep Sky Object:

M51 Whirlpool Galaxy

Constellation: Canis Major

Star: Sirius A Spectral Type: A1 V Main Sequence

Star: *Sirius B. Not visible to the unaided eye due to its close, extremely bright, companion, Sirius A

Constellation: Canis Minor

Star: Procyon Spectral Type: F5 IV Subgiant

Constellation: Cassiopeia

Deep Sky Object

Tycho’s SNR

Constellation: Cassiopeia

Deep Sky Object

Cas A - SNR

Constellation: *Cygnus

Star: *Deneb (tail) Spectral Type: A2 Ia Supergiant Deep Sky Object (SNR)

*Veil Nebula (red)

Constellation: Dorado

Deep Sky Object:

Large Magellanic Cloud

Constellation: Gemini

Star: Castor (top) Spectral Type: A1 V Main Sequence

Star: Pollux (bottom) Spectral Type: K0 III Giant

Constellation: Hercules

M13 Globular Cluster

©Richard Crisp

Constellation: *Leo

Star: *Regulus Spectral Type: B7 V Main Sequence

Star: *Wolf 359 (red) Spectral Type: M5.8 Main Sequence –

Red Dwarf

Constellation: Lyra

Star: Vega

Spectral Type: A0 V

Main sequence, Blue

Deep Sky Object: Ring Nebula – M57 (red)

Constellation: Mensa

Deep Sky Object: Large Magellanic Cloud

MILKY WAY GALAXYCredit & Copyright: Richard Payne (Arizona Astrophotography)

Constellation: Orion

Star: Betelgeuse (upper)

Spectral Type: M2 Ib

Red supergiant

Star: Rigel (lower)

Spectral Type: B8 Ia

Blue Supergiant

M42 Orion Nebula (red)

Constellation: Orion

M42 Orion Nebula

Constellation: Orion*Trapezium (Within Orion Nebula)

Constellation: PerseusStar: Algol

Spectral Types:

B8 V & G5 IV

Star A is separated from close companion B by less than a tenth (0.062) of the Earth-Sun distance (AU). Dimmer Star B partially eclipses Star A every 2.9 days and loses gas in a "star stream" that impacts Star A before bouncing back out to create a "transient accretion annulus" around Star A

Constellation: Sagittarius

Deep Sky Object:Sgr A*

Photo: Chandra X-ray Observatory

Constellation: *Scorpius

Star: Antares Spectral Type: M1 Ib Supergiant

Deep Sky Object:*M6 Butterfly Cluster (red)

Credit: AURA, NOAO, NSF

SUN

Star: Sun Spectral Type: G2V Main Sequence

Constellation: Taurus

Star: Aldebaran Spectral Type: K5 III Orange-Red Giant

Star Cluster: Hyades (red)

Star Cluster: Pleiades (green)

Constellation: Taurus

Deep Sky Object - Star Cluster: M45 Pleiades (upper image)

Deep Sky Object SNR: M1Crab Nebula (lower image)

Constellation: Tucana

Deep Sky Object: Small Magellanic Cloud (NASA/ESA)

Constellation: Ursa Minor

Star: Polaris Spectral Type: F8 Ib Supergiant

A Cepheid Variable

Constellation: Virgo

Star: Spica Spectral Type: B1 V Main Sequence

Latin for “Ear of Wheat” held in the maiden’s hand.

Constellation: Vulpecula

Deep Sky Object: M27 Dumbbell Nebula

Milky Way Galaxy

Copyright Lund Observatory