|
Use the following pictures and virtual labs to understand more about Astronomy for the Science Olympiad.
|
|
Seasons
(Click on the image for a larger view) 
The earth's spin axis is tilted with respect to its orbital plane. This is what causes the seasons. When the earth's axis points towards the sun, it is summer for that hemisphere. When the earth's axis points away, winter can be expected.
|
Moon Phases
(Virtual Lab) 
Use this simulation to observe the phases of the moon as viewed from space.
|
Rotation vs. Revolution
(Click on the image for a larger view) 
"Rotation" refers to an object's spinning motion about its own axis. "Revolution" refers the object's orbital motion (path) around another object.
|
|
Time
The principal astronomical cycles are the day (based on the rotation of the Earth on its axis), the year (based on the revolution of the Earth around the Sun), and the month (based on the revolution of the Moon around the Earth).
|
Solar vs. Lunar Eclipse
A solar eclipse (few minutes) results when the moon passes in between the earth and the sun hiding the sun fully or partly for some time. A lunar eclipse (few hours) occurs when the earth passes in between the moon and the sun casting its shadow on the moon and thus hiding it fully or partly for some time.
|
Tour the Solar System
(Virtual Lab) 
Allow NASA to take you on an exploration of the Solar System.
(Click on the image for a larger view)
|
|
Constellations
(Virtual Lab) 
For this list of constellations, be able to identify on a star chart the location, season visible, and the alpha and beta stars.
|
Telescopes
(Click on the image for a larger view)
Be able to recognize a basic description of each telescope and Visually identify specific telescopes.
|
|
Galaxy Types
A galaxy is a gravitationally bound system of stars, stellar remnants, interstellar gas, dust, and dark matter.
Guess that Galaxy
(Click on the image for a larger view and answers) 
|
Nebula Types
A nebula is a distinct body of interstellar clouds.
Popular Nebulae
|
Stellar Evolution - The Life of Stars
Stellar evolution is the process by which a star changes over the course of time. Depending on the mass of the star, its lifetime can range from a few million years for the most massive to trillions of years for the least massive.
|
