If you want to be alone with yourself, take a break from the daily routine, and give free rein to your dormant fantasy, come on a date with the stars. Put off dreams until the morning hours. Remember the immortal lines of I. Ilf and E. Petrov: “It’s nice to sit in the park at night. The air is clean, and smart thoughts come into my head.”
And what a pleasure it is to contemplate the delicate, truly magical celestial painting! It’s not for nothing that hunters, fishermen and tourists, having settled down for the night, love to look at the sky for a long time. How often, lying by an extinguished fire and looking into the endless distance, they sincerely regret that their acquaintance with the stars is limited to the Big Dipper. At the same time, many do not even think that this acquaintance can be expanded, and they believe that heaven for them is a secret behind seven seals. Quite a common misconception. Believe me, taking the first step on the path of an amateur astronomer is not at all difficult. It is accessible to elementary schoolchildren, students, the head of a design bureau, a shepherd, a tractor driver, and a pensioner.
The vast majority of people have a preconceived idea that amateur astronomy begins with a telescope (“I’ll make a small telescope and observe the stars.”) However, often the fertile impulse is captured by an absolutely insoluble problem: where to buy the necessary lenses for a homemade refracting telescope or the glass of the necessary thickness for making a mirror for a reflecting telescope? Three or four fruitless attempts, and the dialogue with the starry sky is postponed for an indefinite time, or even forever. It's a pity! After all, if you want to get involved in astronomy or help your children do it, you won’t find a better way than observing meteors.
Just remember that it is advisable to start them during the period of maximum action of any intense meteor shower. It is best to do this on the nights of 11 to 12 and 12 to 13 August, when the Perseid stream is activated. For schoolchildren this is generally an extremely convenient time. At this stage, no optical instruments or devices will be needed for observations. You just need to choose a place for observation that is located away from light sources and provides a sufficiently large view of the sky. It can be in a field, on a hill, in the mountains, on a large forest edge, on the flat roof of a house, in a fairly wide yard. You only need to have with you a notebook (observation journal), a pencil and any watch, wrist, table or even wall.
The task is to count the number of meteors you see every hour and remember or write down the result. It is advisable to conduct observations for as long as possible, say from 10 pm until dawn. You can observe lying down, sitting or standing: you choose the most comfortable position for yourself. The largest area of the sky can be covered by observations while lying on your back. However, this position is quite risky: many novice amateur astronomers fall asleep in the second half of the night, leaving the meteors the opportunity to rush “uncontrollably” across the sky.
Having completed your observations, make a table in the first column of which enter the hourly observation intervals, for example from 2 to 3 o’clock, from 3 to 4 o’clock, etc., and in the second column the corresponding number of meteors seen: 10, 15, ... For greater clarity, you can plot the dependence of the number of meteors on the time of day - and you will have a picture showing how the number of meteors changed during the night. This will be your little “scientific discovery”. This can be done already on the very first night of observation. Let you be inspired by the thought that all the meteors you saw that night are unique. After all, each of them is a fleeting farewell autograph of an interplanetary particle disappearing forever. If you are lucky, observing meteors, you can see one or even more fireballs. The fireball may end with the fall of a meteorite, so be prepared for the following actions: use the clock to determine the moment of the fireball's passage, use ground or celestial landmarks, try to remember (draw) its trajectory, listen to see if any sounds follow (impact, explosion, rumble) after the fireball fades or disappears over the horizon. Record the data in the observation log. The information you received may be useful to specialists in organizing a search for the site of a meteorite fall.
Already on the first night, while making observations, you will pay attention to the brightest stars and their relative positions. And if you continue to observe further, then within a few, even if incomplete, nights you will get used to them and begin to recognize them. Even in ancient times, the stars were united into constellations. Constellations need to be gradually studied. This can no longer be done without a star chart. It should be purchased at a bookstore. Maps or atlases of the starry sky are rarely sold separately; more often they are attached to various books, for example, an astronomy textbook for the 10th grade, the School Astronomical Calendar, and popular science astronomical literature.
Identifying the stars in the sky with their images on the map is not difficult. You just need to adapt to the scale of the map. When going out to observe with a map, take a flashlight with you. To prevent the map from being illuminated too brightly, the light of the flashlight can be dimmed by wrapping it in a bandage. Getting to know the constellations is an extremely exciting activity. Solving Star Crosswords never gets boring. Moreover, experience shows that children, for example, enjoy playing the star game and very quickly remember the names of the constellations and their location in the sky.
So, in a week you will be able to swim quite freely on the heavenly sea and speak first name with many stars. A good knowledge of the celestial sky will enhance your scientific meteor observing program. True, the equipment will become somewhat more complicated. In addition to a watch, a magazine and a pencil, you need to take a flashlight, a map, a ruler, an eraser, and a backing for the map (some kind of plywood or a small table). Now, when observing the trajectory of all the meteors you see, you draw arrows on the map with a pencil. If observations were made on the date of maximum flow, then some arrows (and sometimes most) will fan out across the map. Continue the arrows back with dashed lines: these lines will intersect at some area or even point on the star map. This will mean that the meteors belong to a meteor shower, and the point of intersection of the dashed lines you find is the approximate radiant of this shower. The rest of the arrows you plot may be the trajectories of sporadic meteors.
The described observations are carried out, as already noted, without the use of any optical instruments. If you have binoculars at your disposal, then it becomes possible to observe not only meteors and fireballs, but also their traces. It is very convenient to work with binoculars if you mount them on a tripod. After the bolide passes, as a rule, a faintly luminous trail is visible in the sky. Point your binoculars at him. Before your eyes, the trail will change its shape under the influence of air currents, and clots and rarefaction will form in it. It is very useful to sketch several sequential views of the track.
Photographing meteors does not present any significant difficulties. For these purposes, you can use any camera. The easiest way is to mount the camera on a tripod or put it, say, on a stool and point it at the zenith. At the same time, set the shutter to a long shutter speed and photograph the starry sky for 15-30 minutes. After this, transfer the film to one frame and continue photographing. In each image, stars appear as parallel arcs, and meteors appear as straight lines, usually intersecting the arcs. It should be borne in mind that the field of view of a single ordinary lens is not very large, and therefore the likelihood of photographing a meteor is quite small. You need patience and, of course, a little luck. When conducting photographic observations, cooperation is good: several cameras aimed at different areas of the celestial sphere in the same way as professional astronomers do. However, if you manage to create a small group of meteor hunters, it is useful to divide it into two groups. Each group should choose its own observation site at a sufficient distance from each other and conduct joint observations according to a pre-agreed program.
The photographic observations themselves are a relatively simple task: click the shutters, rewind the film, record the start and end times of exposures and the moments of meteor passage. Processing the resulting images is much more difficult. However, you should not be afraid of difficulties. If you have already decided to establish friendly relations with the sky, then be prepared for the need for a certain intellectual tension.
What about observing comets? If comets appeared as often as meteors, then astronomy lovers could not wish for anything better. But, alas! You can wait for a comet for an “eternity” and still be left with nothing. Passivity is enemy number one here. We need to look for comets. Search with enthusiasm, with great desire, with faith in success. Many bright comets were discovered by amateurs. Their names are forever recorded in the annals of history.
Where should you look for comets, in what area of the sky? Is there any clue for a novice observer?
Eat. Bright comets should be looked for close to the Sun, i.e. in the morning before sunrise in the east, in the evening after sunset in the west. The likelihood of success will greatly increase if you study the constellations, get used to the location of the stars, to their brightness. Then the appearance of a “foreign” object will not escape your attention. If you have binoculars, a spotting scope, a telescope or other instrument that allows you to observe fainter objects, it will be very useful to make yourself a map of nebulae and globular clusters, otherwise your heart will beat faster more than once on the occasion of your discovery of a false comet. And this, believe me, is very offensive! The observation process itself is simple; you need to regularly examine the near-solar morning and evening parts of the sky, spurring yourself on with the desire to discover the comet at any cost.
Observations of the comet must be carried out during the entire period of its visibility. If the comet cannot be photographed, then make a series of drawings of its appearance, necessarily indicating the time and date. Take special care to sketch out the various details in the head and tail of the comet. Each time, plot the position of the comet on the star map, “paving” its route.
If you have a camera, don't skimp on photos. By combining a camera with a telescope, you get a fast astrograph, and your photos will be doubly valuable.
Remember that both when making visual observations with binoculars or a telescope, and when taking photographs, the telescope and camera must be mounted on a tripod, otherwise the image of the object will “tremble from the cold.”
It is good if, even during purely visual observations with a telescope or binoculars, it is possible to assess the brilliance of the comet. The fact is that very active comets can “blink” strongly, either increasing or decreasing their brightness. The reasons may be internal processes in the core (sudden ejection of matter) or external influence of solar wind flows.
You may remember that you can determine the brightness of a star-shaped object by comparing it with the brightness of known stars. This is how, for example, the magnitude of an asteroid is estimated. With a comet the matter is more complicated. After all, it is visible not as a star, but as a nebulous speck. Therefore, the following rather ingenious method is used. The observer extends the telescope's eyepiece, bringing images of the comet and stars out of focus, causing the stars to turn from dots into blurry spots. The observer extends the eyepiece until the size of the starspots is equal or almost equal to the size of the comet. Then two stars are selected for comparison - one is slightly brighter than the comet, the second is fainter. Their magnitudes are found from the star catalogue.
Undoubtedly, the observation of previously discovered comets is also of interest. Lists of such comets, the observation of which is expected in a given year, are published in the “Astronomical Calendar” (Variable part). Such calendars are published annually. True, very often after describing the history of the comet and the conditions for its upcoming observation, a very unpleasant phrase is added:
“Inaccessible to amateur observations.” Thus, all five short-period comets observed in 1988 were inaccessible to amateurs due to their low brightness. Yes, truly, we must discover our comets!
Very faint comets are usually discovered by viewing negatives of the starry sky. If you haven't forgotten, new asteroids are discovered in the same way.
It is practically impossible to observe asteroids with the naked eye. But this can be done with small telescopes. The same “Astronomical Calendar” publishes a list of asteroids available for observation in a given year.
Take one piece of advice to heart. Never rely solely on your memory; be sure to record the results of your observations in a journal and in as much detail as possible. Only in this case can you count on the fact that your wonderful hobby will be useful to science.
Astronomical observations always arouse interest among others, especially if they manage to look through the telescope themselves.
I would like to tell beginners a little about what can be seen in the sky - in order to avoid disappointment from what is actually visible in the eyepiece. With truly high-quality instruments, you will see much more than is written here, but their price is high, and their weight and dimensions are quite large... The first telescope for astronomical observations is usually not the largest and most expensive.
Astronomical observations of Mars are not for everyone; at most, the polar caps will be visible. Changes of seasons and patches of dust storms are visible only through expensive telescopes and in a good atmosphere.
Observing the remaining planets is disappointing: the most that can be seen in ordinary inexpensive telescopes is small, cloudy disks (usually just faint stars). But you can always say: “Yes, I saw it with my own eyes - there is such a planet, astronomers don’t lie.”
You will not see either the legendary “face of the Sphinx” on Mars, or the truly mesmerizing sunrise of the planets’ satellites even with the best telescope. However, during the Great Controversies, not pointing a telescope at them is simply a crime... And just look from time to time... Of course, if you buy an expensive apochromatic refractor with a large aperture or a good filter, the quality will noticeably increase, but this Not really for beginners anymore.
in the constellation Hercules - one of the favorite objects of observation and an unofficial meter of the quality of a telescope on the subject of “does it resolve the stars to the center or not.”
It doesn’t matter whether you show your loved ones something interesting in the sky, or look for yourself - it’s always useful to know in advance what, in fact, to look for in the sky today. And most importantly - where exactly. In addition, if you suddenly plan your vacation with an astronomical twist, then you need to take a lot into account:
However, it all depends on your climate. In the Moscow region, for example, the weather is not kind - there is increased cloudiness and it is cold. I like it better from the end of August to mid-October - the sky is already quite dark, it’s not yet so cold... Autumn is considered rainy, but in recent years the first half of it is often lucky with precipitation and cloudiness - apparently the climate is changing. Closer to winter, cloudiness increases sharply; in November-December it is rarely possible to see in the Moscow region. More on this topic:
What is visible through a telescope depending on its size
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We followed the movement of the stars across the sky. Astronomical observations of that time helped to navigate the area, and were also necessary for the construction of philosophical and religious systems. A lot has changed since then. Astronomy finally freed itself from astrology and accumulated extensive knowledge and technical power. However, astronomical observations, carried out on Earth or in space, are still one of the main methods of obtaining data in this science. The methods of collecting information have changed, but the essence of the methodology has remained unchanged.
What are astronomical observations?
There is evidence to suggest that people had basic knowledge about the movements of the Moon and the Sun in prehistoric times. The works of Hipparchus and Ptolemy indicate that knowledge about the luminaries was also in demand in Antiquity, and a lot of attention was paid to it. For that time and for a long period after, astronomical observations consisted of studying the night sky and recording what was seen on paper or, more simply, sketching.
Before the Renaissance, only the simplest instruments were assistants to scientists in this matter. A significant amount of data became available after the invention of the telescope. As it was improved, the accuracy of the information received increased. However, whatever the level of technological progress, astronomical observations are the main way of collecting information about celestial objects. Interestingly, this is also one of the areas of scientific activity in which the methods used in the era before scientific progress, that is, observation with the naked eye or using simple equipment, have not lost their relevance.
Classification
Today, astronomical observations are a fairly broad category of activities. They can be classified according to several criteria:
- qualifications of participants;
- the nature of the data recorded;
- location.
In the first case, professional and amateur observations are distinguished. The data obtained in this case most often represents the registration of visible light or other electromagnetic radiation, including infrared and ultraviolet. In this case, information can be obtained in some cases only from the surface of our planet or only from space outside the atmosphere: according to the third criterion, astronomical observations made on Earth or in space are distinguished.
Amateur astronomy
The beauty of the science of stars and other celestial bodies is that it is one of the few that literally needs active and tireless admirers among non-professionals. For a huge number of objects worthy of constant attention, there are a small number of scientists working on the most complex issues. Therefore, astronomical observations of the rest of the near space fall on the shoulders of amateurs.
The contribution of people who consider astronomy their hobby to this science is quite significant. Until the middle of the last decade of the last century, more than half of comets were discovered by amateurs. Their areas of interest also often include variable stars, observing novae, and tracking the occultation of celestial bodies by asteroids. The latter is the most promising and in-demand job today. As for novae and supernovae, as a rule, amateur astronomers are the first to notice them.
Options for non-professional observations
Amateur astronomy can be divided into closely interrelated sections:
- Visual astronomy. This includes astronomical observations through binoculars, telescopes or the naked eye. The main goal of such activity, as a rule, is to derive pleasure from the opportunity to observe the movement of the luminaries, as well as from the process itself. An interesting offshoot of this trend is “sidewalk” astronomy: some amateurs take their telescopes outside and offer everyone to admire the stars, planets and the Moon.
- Astrophotography. The goal of this direction is to obtain photographic images of celestial bodies and their elements.
- Telescope construction. Sometimes amateurs make the necessary optical instruments, telescopes and accessories for them almost from scratch. In most cases, telescope construction involves supplementing existing equipment with new components.
- Research. Some amateur astronomers strive to get something more material in addition to aesthetic pleasure. They study asteroids, variables, novae and supernovae, comets and meteor showers. Periodically, in the process of constant and painstaking observations, discoveries are made. It is precisely this activity of amateur astronomers that makes the greatest contribution to science.
Activities of professionals
Specialist astronomers around the world have more advanced equipment than amateurs. The tasks facing them require high accuracy in collecting information, a well-functioning mathematical apparatus for interpretation and forecasting. The work of professionals, as a rule, centers on quite complex, often remote objects and phenomena. Often, studying the vastness of space makes it possible to shed light on certain laws of the Universe, to clarify, supplement or refute theoretical constructs regarding its origin, structure and future.
Classification by information type
Observations in astronomy, as already mentioned, can be associated with the recording of various radiation. On this basis, the following areas are distinguished:
- optical astronomy studies radiation in the visible range;
- infrared astronomy;
- ultraviolet astronomy;
- radio astronomy;
- X-ray astronomy;
- Gamma-ray astronomy.
In addition, the directions of this science and corresponding observations not related to electromagnetic radiation are highlighted. This includes neutrino, which studies neutrino radiation from extraterrestrial sources, gravitational wave and planetary astronomy.
From the surface
Some of the phenomena studied in astronomy are available for research in ground-based laboratories. Astronomical observations on Earth are associated with the study of motion trajectories, measuring distances in space to stars, recording certain types of radiation and radio waves, and so on. Before the beginning of the era of astronautics, astronomers could be content only with information obtained under the conditions of our planet. And this was enough to build a theory of the origin and development of the Universe, to discover many patterns that exist in space.
High above the Earth
With the launch of the first satellite, a new era in astronomy began. The data collected is invaluable. They contributed to the deepening of scientists' understanding of the mysteries of the Universe.
Astronomical observations in space make it possible to detect all types of radiation, from visible light to gamma rays and X-rays. Most of them are inaccessible for research from Earth, since the planet’s atmosphere absorbs them and does not allow them to the surface. An example of discoveries that became possible only later are X-ray pulsars.
Information getters
Astronomical observations in space are carried out using various equipment installed on spacecraft and orbital satellites. Many studies of this nature are being carried out. The contribution of optical telescopes, launched several times in the last century, is invaluable. The famous Hubble stands out among them. For the average person, it is primarily a source of stunningly beautiful photographic images of deep space. However, that’s not all he “can do.” With its help, a large amount of information was obtained about the structure of many objects and the patterns of their “behavior.” Hubble and other telescopes are an invaluable provider of data needed for theoretical astronomy working on problems of the evolution of the Universe.
Astronomical observations - both ground-based and space - are the only ones for the science of celestial bodies and phenomena. Without them, scientists could only develop various theories without being able to compare them with reality.
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