BSEd Astronomy 2024 Chapter 1 PDF

1-INTRODUCTION “Know Thy Difference” Rationale This chapter is an introduction to this course with the emphasis on differentiating astronomy from other related fields of study. In addition, the r...

1-INTRODUCTION “Know Thy Difference” Rationale This chapter is an introduction to this course with the emphasis on differentiating astronomy from other related fields of study. In addition, the role of astronomy to human civilization will be introduced. Thus, this material will give you an overview of the course and the specific learning competencies you are expected to learn. Learning Competencies After finishing this part of the module, you are expected to: 1. Distinguish astronomy from astrophysics and cosmology 2. Explain the importance of astronomy to mankind. Pre-requisite Concepts and Processes Since this is an introductory part of the course/module, you as science majors are expected to possess the basic terminologies in earth science that may help you understand the nature of astronomy. Familiarity with most of these terms are important in relating astronomy to other field of related fields. Elicit Phase (5 minutes) Before going further, it is important to determine how much do you know about astronomy and its related field. Please determine whether the following statements describe astronomy, cosmology or astrophysics. Write A for Astronomy, C for Cosmology and AP for Astrophysics. Please answer this without looking at the next section (answer key). This self-assessment is not to be submitted but for you to measure your prior knowledge only. _____ 1. The application of physics to understand astronomy. _____ 2. Deals with the universe as a whole. _____ 3. Involves more theories and less of observations. _____ 4. Relies mostly on observational evidences than theories. _____ 5. Academic discipline that seeks to understand the origin, evolution, structure, and ultimate fate of the Universe at large, as well as the natural laws that keeps it in order _____ 6. Formulation of the Big Bang Theory. _____ 7. Deals with the physics of the universe, including the physical properties of celestial objects, as well as their interactions and behavior (use of techniques and ideas of physics to study heavens). _____ 8. The use of telescope to study the constellations. _____ 9. Concerned with the evolution, physics, chemistry, meteorology, and motion of celestial objects, as well as the formation and development of the universe. _____ 10. The use of physical laws to explain the birth of stars. Congratulations! Now, it is time to see whether you have mastered the prerequisite concepts and processes required by this module. Check your answers by referring to the key below. If your score is eight (8) and above, you might have a good background in astronomy. However, if your score is 5 and below, do not be discouraged because this course will help you correct any misconceptions you have about astronomy. 1. AP 2. C 3. C 4. A 5. C 6. C 7. AP 8. A 9. A 10. AP BSEd_Astronomy 2024 1|Page  1-INTRODUCTION Engage Phase (5 minutes) Astronomy has always had a significant impact on our world view. Early cultures identified celestial objects with the gods and took their movements across the sky as prophecies of what was to come. We would now call this astrology, far removed from the hard facts and expensive instruments of today’s astronomy, but there are still hints of this history in modern astronomy. Take, for example, the names of the constellations: Andromeda, the chained maiden of Greek mythology, or Perseus, the demi-god who saved her. Throughout history, humans have looked to the sky to navigate the vast oceans, to decide when to plant their crops and to answer questions of where we came from and how we got here. It is a discipline that opens our eyes, gives context to our place in the Universe and that can reshape how we see the world. Astronomy then played a decisive role in the evolution and survival of humanity. Explore Phase (10 minutes) What is astronomy? Astronomy is a natural science that deals with the study of celestial objects (such as moons, planets, stars, nebulae, and galaxies); the physics, chemistry, and evolution of such objects; and phenomena that originate outside the atmosphere of Earth (such as supernovae explosions, gamma ray bursts, and cosmic background radiation). It is concerned with the evolution, physics, chemistry, meteorology, and motion of celestial objects, as well as the formation and development of the universe. Other related but distinct fields are cosmology and astrophysics. Relationship with Cosmology and Astrophysics Cosmology is the academic discipline that seeks to understand the origin, evolution, structure, and ultimate fate of the Universe at large, as well as the natural laws that keeps it in order. ▪ a sub-section of astronomy ▪ deals with the universe as a whole ▪ cosmologists speculate about the origin and ultimate fate of the universe ▪ cosmology involves more theories and less of observations while astronomy relies mostly on observational evidences than theories On the other hand, Astrophysics is the branch of astronomy that deals with the physics of the universe, including the physical properties of celestial objects, as well as their interactions and behavior (use of techniques and ideas of physics to study heavens) ▪ astronomy has been more observational in scope while astrophysics is more analytical ▪ astronomers look through telescope while astrophysicists model data ▪ all astrophysicists are astronomers, but not all astronomers are astrophysicists ▪ the application of physics to understand astronomy Explain Phase (15 minutes) Perhaps the most important reason to study astronomy is that astronomy seeks to satisfy our fundamental curiosity about the world we live in, and answer the ‘big’ questions. How was the universe created? Where did we come from? Are there other intelligent life forms? Pursuing these questions is a fundamental part of being human, yet in today's world it has become increasingly important to be able to justify the pursuit of the answers. Astronomy constantly reminds people of two seemingly contradictory things. First that the universe is infinite and we are of but the tiniest fraction of importance. And second, that life is rare and precious. A home as beautiful and unique as earth does not come often. We must protect it. BSEd_Astronomy 2024 2|Page  1-INTRODUCTION Exercise 1 Name: ____________________________ Date submitted: _________ Based on your experience and probably stories you have heard from your ancestors, enumerate at least 5 indigenous knowledge, system or practices that you think are astronomy related. Write a short explanation for each item you have listed. List of indigenous knowledge, systems and practices related to astronomy. The first one is given as an example. Example: The completion of the lunar cycle is associated to menstrual cycle. Explanation: It is believed that counting the number of days to complete lunar cycle is exactly the same as the number of days for women to have their menstrual cycle. As such, if a woman had his first day of menstruation during full moon, it is expected that she will have the next cycle when the next full moon occurs. 1. __ 2. __ 3. __ 4. __ 5. __ BSEd_Astronomy 2024 3|Page  1-INTRODUCTION Elaborate Phase (10 minutes) Astronomy and related fields are at the forefront of science and technology; answering fundamental questions and driving innovation. It is for this reason that the International Astronomical Union’s (IAU) strategic plan for 2010–2020 has three main areas of focus: technology and skills; science and research; and culture and society. Although “blue skies research” like astronomy rarely contributes directly with tangible outcomes on a short time scale, the pursuit of this research requires cutting-edge technology and methods that can on a longer time scale, through their broader application make a difference. A wealth of examples — many of which are outlined below — show how the study of astronomy contributes to technology, economy and society by constantly pushing for instruments, processes and software that are beyond our current capabilities. The fruits of scientific and technological development in astronomy, especially in areas such as optics and electronics, have become essential to our day today life, with applications such as personal computers, communication satellites, mobile phones, Global Positioning Systems, solar panels and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Although the study of astronomy has provided a wealth of tangible, monetary and technological gains, perhaps the most important aspect of astronomy is not one of economical measure. Astronomy has and continues to revolutionize our thinking on a worldwide scale. In the past, astronomy has been used to measure time, mark the seasons, and navigate the vast oceans. As one of the oldest sciences astronomies is part of every culture’s history and roots. It inspires us with beautiful images and promises answers to the big questions. It acts as a window into the immense size and complexity of space, putting Earth into perspective and promoting global citizenship and pride in our home planet. Several reports in the US (National Research Council, 2010) and Europe (Bode et al., 2008) indicate that the major contributions of astronomy are not just the technological and medical applications, but a unique perspective that extends our horizons and helps us discover the grandeur of the Universe and our place within it. On a more pressing level, astronomy helps us study how to prolong the survival of our species. For example, it is critical to study the Sun’s influence on Earth’s climate and how it will affect weather, water levels etc. Only the study of the Sun and other stars can help us to understand these processes in their entirety. In addition, mapping the movement of all the objects in our Solar System, allows us to predict the potential threats to our planet from space. Such events could cause major changes to our world, as was clearly demonstrated by the meteorite impact in Chelyabinsk, Russia in 2013. On a personal level, teaching astronomy to our youth is also of great value. It has been proven that pupils who engage in astronomy related educational activities at a primary or secondary school are more likely to pursue careers in science and technology, and to keep up to date with scientific discoveries (National Research Council, 1991). This does not just benefit the field of astronomy, but reaches across other scientific disciplines. Astronomy is one of the few scientific fields that interacts directly with society. Not only transcending borders, but actively promoting collaborations around the world. (by Marissa Rosenberg, Pedro Russo (EU-UNAWE, Leiden Observatory/Leiden University, The Netherlands / [email protected]), Georgia Bladon, Lars Lindberg Christensen, ESO, Germany) Evaluate Phase (15 minutes) Exercise 2 Based on the things you have learned in the previous phases, make a poster about the things or concepts that you are expecting to learn in this course. The poster should embody the field of astronomy as the central element. Your poster will be graded according to the following criteria: creativity and presentation (40%), originality (30%) and relevance to the theme (30%). Please use short bond paper in a landscape layout (no margins). No words are to be included in your picture except your name to be placed at the lower right part of poster. BSEd_Astronomy 2024 4|Page  1-INTRODUCTION Extend Phase (15 minutes) Exercise 3 Name: ____________________________ Date submitted: _________ Write an essay on the importance of astronomy in your chosen course/degree. Your composition should have a minimum of 100 words. BSEd_Astronomy 2024 5|Page