Activity 3 - Observing the planets (Homework task)

In this homework activity, students will hone their observational skills by identifying planets in the evening sky without relying on apps or aids. They'll record their observations, noting the time and location, and attempt to identify planets based on specific criteria. This hands-on exercise also encourages them to discover Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander names for the planets and appreciate the challenges and rewards of naked-eye sky observation.

Step by step guide

Step 1: Background information

Planets can be distinguished from stars if they:

• Lie along the path of the zodiac (and hence, are visible in Zodiac constellations);

• They change position with respect to background stars;

• Do not generally twinkle (students can conduct online research to learn why planets do not twinkle (which will be described in other modules).

Teacher Note: Point 3 is not always true, as some planets can twinkle under the right conditions. For example, Venus can twinkle if it is very low on the horizon, and the light coming through a thick layer of the atmosphere is distorted enough. In Kamilaroi traditions, Venus when it is twinkling low on the horizon is viewed as an old man who is laughing at a rude joke he told.

Step 2: Explanation of homework task

Give the students a print-out of a star wheel for the southern hemisphere.

Have students observe the stars every night or every few nights at a given time from a given location (such as their house or apartment).

Students should record the time and place they conduct their observations.

Ask the students to try to identify a planet in the sky without using an app.

Record what planets they see and how they know they are planets.

Have them note an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander name for that planet.

Ask them to draw a simple diagram showing one of the planets and a couple of nearby stars. Students should do this every few days over a month or two.

Ask the students to draw a final diagram, showing the different positions of that planet over that time. They can compare this with results in Stellarium.

Ask the students to try this without writing anything down - just using their eyes and memory. Do they think they could do it?

This will show students that this is no easy feat (imagine doing it all by memory!) but it is doable and can be very enjoyable.