Planetary Astronomy
PIRA classification 8A
8A05, Historical Astronomy
PIRA # |
Demonstration Name |
Abstract |
8A05.10 |
Calender Wheels |
Native American celestial calendar wheels and how to construct them. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 37(8), 476] |
8A05.15 |
Stonehenge |
Many models of this famous megalith are available. |
8A05.16 |
Megaliths |
Some historical background on megalithic astronomy. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ AJP 45(2), 125] |
8A05.20a |
Constellations |
Constellations used to interpret historical legends. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT, 31(6), 383] |
8A05.20b |
Constellations |
The Big Dipper used to tell time. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT, 29(2), 80] |
8A05.30a |
Eratosthenes measurement of Earth's radius |
Eratosthenes determination of the circumference of the Earth updated by doing the experiment from an aircraft. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 25(8), 500] |
8A05.30b |
Eratosthenes measurement of Earth's radius |
Eratosthenes experiment redone using meter sticks instead of wells. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 26(3), 154] |
8A05.30c |
Measurement of Earth's radius |
The calculation done using feet and miles. Also several other neat problems using Earth's radius as a starting point. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 31(9), 519] |
8A05.30d |
Measurement of Earth's diameter |
A GPS is used to calculate the diameter of the Earth. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 38(6), 360] |
8A05.30e |
Eratosthenes measurement of Earth's radius |
Trying to calculate the radius of the Earth by watching the Sun set twice, once from the bottom and then from the top of a tall building. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 31(7), 440] |
8A05.30f |
Eratosthenes - scale of Earth/Moon/Sun system |
Using Eratosthenes calculation of the diameter of the Earth to calculate the size of the Moon. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 38(3), 179] |
8A05.33 |
Eudoxus: homocentric spheres models |
Two homocentric models of Eudoxus: one shows the motion of the Sun, the other shows retrograde motion. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ AJP, 31(6),456] |
8A05.35 |
Ptolemaic and Copernican orbits |
An analog computer (circuit given) displays orbits and epicycles on an oscilloscope. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ AJP, 30(9),615] |
8A05.40a |
Kepler and planetary orbits |
A photographic solution to Kepler's laws. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ AJP, 69(4), 481] |
8A05.40b |
Kepler and planetary orbits |
An unusual verification of Kepler's first law. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ AJP, 69(10), 1036] |
8A05.40c |
Kepler and planetary orbits |
A graphical representation of Kepler's third law. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 36(4), 212] |
8A05.40d |
Kepler and planetary orbits |
Kepler's third law calculations without a calculator. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 42(9), 530] |
8A05.40e |
Kepler and planetary orbits |
Kepler's third law and the rise time of stars. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 25(8), 493] |
8A05.40f |
Kepler and planetary orbits |
Applying Kepler's third law to elliptical orbits. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 34(1), 42] |
8A05.40g |
Kepler and planetary orbits |
Measuring an asteroids orbit to test Kepler's first and second law. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 36(1), 40] |
8A05.50 |
Sundial |
A Plexiglas model of a sundial. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ AJP 52(2),185] |
8A05.50 |
Sundial |
Detailed descriptions, pictures, and how to time correct a sundial. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 10(3), 117] |
8A05.50 |
Sundial, solar pocket watch |
Picture of a portable sundial (solar pocket watch) dated 1573. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 41(5), 268] |
8A05.50 |
Sundial |
Constructing a portable sundial. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 37(2), 113] |
8A05.50 |
Sundial, solar pocket watch |
Additional observations on [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 41(5), 268]. |
8A05.55 |
Horizontal sundial |
An analytic solution for determining the markings on a sundial and a description of construction. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ AJP 42(5),372] |
8A05.60 |
Cross-staff |
Cut a meter stick into 57 1/3 cm and 42 2/3 cm. (At 57 1/3 cm one degree equals one cm.) Some refinements. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ AJP 33(2),165] |
8A05.70 |
Sextant |
Pictures of and directions for sextants. |
8A05.70 |
Sextant |
An easily constructed mini-sextant and directions for it's use. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 38(4), 238] |
8A05.80 |
Artificial Horizon |
A mercury filled dish that is used for an artificial horizon when taking measurements with a sextant during times when the real horizon is obscured. |
8A05.85 |
Chronometer |
An accurate ships time piece used in conjunction with the sextant to determine longitude and latitude. |
8A05.90 |
Heliostat |
Picture of a heliostat. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ AJP 38(3),391] |
8A10, Solar System Mechanics
PIRA # |
Demonstration Name |
Abstract |
8A10.05 |
Origin of the Solar System |
Discussion on how the Solar System was formed. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 5(8), 363] |
8A10.06 |
Planetary nebula |
On the formation of planetary nebula. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 29(5), 268] |
8A10.10a |
Orrery model |
A motor-driven model of the Sun, Moon, Earth system. |
8A10.10b |
Orrery model |
A mechanical model of the inner planets. |
8A10.15 |
Scale of the Solar System - Video |
|
8A10.15 |
Inflatable Solar System |
|
8A10.15 |
Solar System on a String |
|
8A10.15 |
Scale model of the Solar System |
The scale model of the Solar System as a hallway demo. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 16(4), 223] |
8A10.15 |
Scale model of the Solar System |
The 1:10 billion Colorado Scale-Model Solar System on the University of Colorado-Boulder campus. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 29(6), 371] |
8A10.15 |
Scale model of the Solar System |
Globes and balloons used to model the planets of the Solar System. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 27(1), 38] |
8A10.16 |
Scale of the orbital radii of the planets |
A hat pin, roll of tape, and some markers used to scale the orbital radii of the planets. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 43(2), 120] |
8A10.20 |
Locating stars |
A simple analytical method at the descriptive astronomy level for locating stars. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ AJP 53(6),591] |
8A10.20 |
Locating stars |
Using the stars of the Big Dipper to teach vectors. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 44(3), 168] |
8A10.22 |
Tracking stars, Sun, and Moon |
Construction of an electromechanical device that automatically and continually tracks celestial objects. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ AJP 78 (11), 1128] |
8A10.25 |
Diurnal motion |
Punch holes in a can bottom in the big dipper pattern and place over a point source of light. Rotate the can. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ AJP 43(1),113] |
8A10.30 |
Planispheric planetarium |
Description of a homemade planetarium. |
8A10.30 |
Small planetarium |
Description of a small homemade planetarium dome. |
8A10.33 |
Day & night |
|
8A10.35 |
Local zenith |
See [http://groups.physics.umn.edu/demo/old_page/astronomy.html University of Minnesota Handbook - 8A10.20] |
8A10.40 |
Sidereal time |
An explanation of how a sidereal day differs from a solar day and how to calculate the difference. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 29(5), 265] |
8A10.42 |
Sidereal day |
A simple method to measure the length of the sidereal day. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 30(9), 558] |
8A10.44 |
Sidereal year |
Use orbital mechanics and centripetal force to calculate the sidereal year. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 32(2), 111] |
8A10.50 |
Precession of the equinox graph |
A graph that shows the precession of the equinox from 1890 to 2000 and a discussion of its pedagogical value. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ AJP 55(9),848] |
8A10.60 |
Apparent motion of the sun |
The autumn and spring equinoxes do not have equal length days and nights. Index of refraction through the atmosphere makes the day about 9 minutes longer than the night. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 35(3), 167] |
8A10.70 |
Distortion due to refraction by Earth atmosphere |
On the flatness of the setting sun. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ AJP 71(4), 379] |
8A10.70 |
Distortion due to refraction by Earth atmosphere |
A demonstration using sugar water to show why the Sun appears elliptical instead of round when viewed through the atmosphere. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 29(9), 566] |
8A10.70 |
Distortion due to refraction by Earth atmosphere |
The appearance of the flattening of the solar disk and the appearance of the "anti-Sun" captured on film. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 35(9), 553] |
8A10.70 |
Distortion due to refraction by Earth atmosphere |
The apparent ellipticity of the setting Sun. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 20(6), 404] |
8A10.75 |
Distortion due to refraction by Earth atmosphere |
A complete explanation of distortions produced by the atmosphere. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 39(2), 92] |
8A10.80 |
Geochron |
The standard Geochron is used to show analemma, the part of the Earth lit by the Sun at any given time, etc. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ |
8A10.80 |
Subsolar point |
An experiment plotting the subsolar point (the place on Earth where the Sun is directly overhead at solar noon). See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 29(5), 318] |
8A10.80 |
Analemma |
Additional comments on [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 34(1), 58] |
8A10.80 |
Analemma |
A good explanation of how the analemma couples the seasonal declination changes of the Sun with the "Equation of Time". See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 34(6), 355] |
8A10.80 |
Analemma |
Analemma used to show why sunrise can be at the same time for several weeks while the length of the day increases. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 34(1), 58] |
8A10.80 |
Analemma |
How to plot and demonstrate the noncircularity of the Earth's orbit around the Sun. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 38(9), 570] |
8A10.80 |
Analemma, clocks, apparent motion of the Sun |
Explains why the length of the morning and afternoon do not increase in the same proportion as the length of the day gets longer. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 23(2), 85] |
8A10.90 |
Apparent motion of the Sun |
A formula for the number of days between the winter solstice and the latest sunrise. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ AJP, 71(12), 1242] |
8A10.90 |
Apparent motion of the Sun |
Using simple equipment to measure the length of the solar day. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 34(6), 351] |
8A10.90 |
Apparent motion of the Sun |
Using the apparent motion of the Sun to teach vectors and scalar products. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 35(5), 310] |
8A20, Earth-Moon Mechanics
PIRA # |
Demonstration Name |
Abstract |
8A20.05 |
Earth's Seasons |
Showing the Earth's seasons with a 3-D model. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 31(7), 419] |
8A20.07 |
Seasonal Tilt |
|
8A20.08 |
Tilt of the Earth - Video |
|
8A20.15 |
Phases of the moon - terminator line demo |
View a ball illuminated by a distant light with a TV camera as the angle between the ball and light varies. |
8A20.15 |
Phases of the moon |
How the view of the crescent moon changes from the northern to southern hemisphere. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 38(6), 371] |
8A20.15 |
Phases of the moon |
An exercise in Moon watching and observation of phases of the Moon. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 32(2), 126] |
||8A20.15||Phases of the moon||Phases of the moon shown with a styrofoam ball, light source, and a CCD camera. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 34(6), 360]
8A20.15 |
Phases of the moon |
A handy way to teach "Moon Phases". See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 31(3), 178] |
8A20.17 |
Phases models |
Illuminated models for showing the phases of Venus and the Moon. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 3(6),263] |
8A20.19 |
Phases of planets |
Calculating the phases of the outer planets. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 37(9), 528] |
8A20.20 |
Albedo |
|
8A20.20 |
Brightness of the Moon |
Two methods to determine the brightness of the Moon. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 23(5), 293] |
8A20.22 |
Eccentricity of the Moon's orbit |
A piece of cardboard with a hole slid up and down a yardstick is used to determine the eccentricity of the Moon's orbit. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ AJP 78 (8), 834] |
8A20.25 |
Eclipse model |
An eclipse model built from Hoola Hoops to show the eclipse seasons. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 34(6), 376] |
8A20.30 |
Solar eclipse |
Preparations and observation of the March 7, 1970 eclipse. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 9(5), 276] |
8A20.30 |
Solar eclipse |
The path of the February 26, 1998 solar eclipse. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 35(9), 515] |
8A20.31 |
Solar eclipse |
Using a solar eclipse to estimate the Earth-Moon distance. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 34(4), 232] |
8A20.32 |
Solar eclipse, pinhole images |
Using pinholes and natural phenomenon to view a solar eclipse. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 32(6), 347] |
8A20.35 |
Lunar eclipse |
Why the Moon appears red during a lunar eclipse. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 44(3), 181] |
8A20.37 |
Umbra, penumbra |
Why there are crisp, dark or fuzzy shadows during eclipses. |
8A20.40 |
Transit - Mercury & Venus |
|
8A20.45 |
Occultations |
Occultation used to determine the diameter of a planet. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ AJP 45(10), 914] |
8A20.45 |
Occultations |
Lunar geography shown determined by grazing occultation. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 21(4), 218] |
8A20.45 |
Occultations |
Occultation used to determine the diameter of the Moon. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 30(5), 290] |
8A20.50 |
Earth/Moon system |
The Earth-Moon system orbits the Sun at its center of mass or barycenter. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 44(1), 48] |
8A20.55 |
Earth/Moon system |
Using Earth-Moon communication to calculate the speed of light. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT, 44(7), 414] |
8A20.60 |
Earth/Moon distance |
Retroreflector arrays and laser pulses to measure the Earth/Moon distance. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 33(2), 90] |
8A20.60 |
Earth/Moon distance |
How to determine the distance to the Moon. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 10(1), 40] |
8A20.64 |
[:Earth-Moon-Sun Model] |
A 10" globe, a painted tennis ball, and a 100 W bulb are used to represent the Earth-Moon-Sun system |
8A20.70 |
Pinhead Earth |
See [http://groups.physics.umn.edu/demo/old_page/astronomy.html University of Minnesota Handbook - 8A10.40] |
8A20.70 |
Scale model of the Earth/Moon/Sun system |
Using a basketball and a push pin to model the Sun-Earth system. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 38(2), 115] |
8A20.70 |
Scale model of the Earth/Moon/Sun system |
Pinholes used to enhance a 1:2 billion scale model of the Earth/Moon/Sun system. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 11(8), 489] |
8A20.80 |
Moon & Tides |
|
8A30, Views From Earth
PIRA # |
Demonstration Name |
Abstract |
8A30.10 |
Horizon astronomy model |
See [http://groups.physics.umn.edu/demo/old_page/astronomy.html University of Minnesota Handbook - 8A10.50] |
8A30.10 |
Cratering |
|
8A30.10 |
Horizon calculations |
A method for calculating the distance to the horizon. |
8A30.10 |
Estimating the distance to the horizon |
An analysis for calculating the distance to the horizon as a function of the altitude of the observer. Also takes into account the variation of atmospheric refractive index with height. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ AJP 50 (9), 795] |
8A30.10 |
Estimating the distance to the horizon |
How to accurately estimate the distance to the horizon. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 38(9), 528] |
8A30.13 |
Estimating the distance to the horizon |
How to accurately estimate the distance to the horizon when at sea. |
8A30.20 |
Cinhelium |
See [http://groups.physics.umn.edu/demo/old_page/astronomy.html University of Minnesota Handbook - 8A10.51] |
8A30.30 |
Retrograde motion model |
Two balls, connected with a rod fixed through one ball and sliding through the other, orbit on a common focus. |
8A30.30 |
Retrograde motion model |
Two balls driven by independent clock motors are connected with a rod fixed through one ball and sliding through the other. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ AJP 54(11),1021] |
8A30.32 |
Retrograde motion |
Three methods to plot retrograde motion, one is simpler than the others. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ AJP 43(7), 639] |
8A30.32 |
Retrograde motion |
Using retrograde motion to understand and determine orbital parameters of a planet using only geometry and trigonometry. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/AJP 73(11), 1023] |
8A30.32 |
Retrograde motion of Mars |
How to plot the retrograde motion of Mars on paper. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 37(6), 342] |
8A30.32 |
Retrograde motion |
A method of plotting retrograde motion on a large scale to be done outdoors with twine and students. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 30(5), 302] |
8A30.32 |
Retrograde motion |
Plotting retrograde motion in a manner that gives a better diagram. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 21(4), 252] |
8A30.34 |
Retrograde motion |
Retrograde motion and epicycles are shown using polar graph paper and a fender washer. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 35(9), 554] |
8A30.40 |
Epicycles |
An Orrery carries a small flashlight on a rod between Earth and Jupiter to project epicycloidal motion. |
8A30.40 |
Epicycles |
An elliptical Lucite dish has two arms attached to one foci. Place some ball bearings between the two arms and rotate the rear arm at constant angular velocity. |
830.40 |
Epicycles |
A diagram of how to make a fairly simple crank device to trace out elliptical through cusped figures with a penlight. |
8A30.50 |
Synodic period |
Using calculations to show that the conjuction and opposition of a planet are not "perfect" due to non-circular orbits. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 19(2), 116] |
8A30.50 |
Synodic period |
Use relative angular velocity to calculate the synodic period. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 23(3), 154] |
8A30.60 |
Tidal locking |
Why the same side of the Moon always faces the Earth. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 41 (6), 363] |
8A30.60 |
Tidal locking |
A demonstration on how the Moon and other moons become tidally locked. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 35(6), 379] |
8A30.70 |
Parallax |
Have students measure the distance to objects in the classroom by parallax using a camera to better understand stellar parallax. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ AJP 45(5), 490] |
8A30.70 |
Parallax |
Another simple photographic experiment to help students understand parallax. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ AJP 45(12), 1221] |
8A30.70 |
Parallax |
Measuring the distance to an outer planet by parallax with a camera. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 35(1), 34] |
A30.72 |
Parallax |
A laboratory model to calculate stellar distances by parallax and relative magnitude. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ AJP 45(11), 1124] |
8A30.80 |
Autoresonance |
3:2 and 2:1 resonances of the planets and asteroids. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ AJP, 69(10), 1096] |
8A30.90 |
Roche Limit |
A calculation of the Roche limit of a Jovian planet and a simulated experiment to test the calculation. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT, 44(6), 381] |
8A35, Views From Earth 2
PIRA # |
Demonstration Name |
Abstract |
8A35.10 |
Celestial sphere |
A simple model celestial sphere is made from a round bottom flask. Pictures. |
8A35.10 |
Celestial sphere |
See [http://groups.physics.umn.edu/demo/old_page/astronomy.html University of Minnesota Handbook - 8A10.80] |
8A35.15 |
Celestial sphere |
Modifying the Replogle Model 15620 celestial sphere. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 18(6), 465] |
8A35.16 |
Celestial sphere |
Making your own celestial sphere by locating stars. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 25(7), 438] |
8A35.18 |
Celestial sphere |
Introducing students to the celestial sphere should always be done with a companion Earth-Sun model. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ AJP 73(11), 1030] |
8A35.18 |
Celestial sphere |
Difficulties teaching concepts with a celestial sphere may be simplified by construction of a mechanical Armillary. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 10(2), 96] |
8A35.30 |
Satellite orbits |
Plotting the orbits of the planets from existing data and charts. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT, 45(6), 369] |
8A35.30 |
Satellite orbits |
Orbital periods of Mercury, Venus, and the Earth simulated using a whirligig setup. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 31(2), 122] |
8A35.30 |
Satellite orbits |
Calculating how long it takes for a planet to fall into the Sun if its orbital motion is arrested and relating that to the orbital period of the planet. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 36(2), 122] |
8A35.32 |
Satellite orbits |
The orbital motion of the Moon explained by projectile motion. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 19(3), 181] |
A35.35 |
Satellite orbits |
Calculation showing that an orbiting satellite is in freefall. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 23(1), 29] |
8A35.35 |
Satellite orbit model |
Making a satellite/Earth system model from glass tubing, a model rocket, nylon thread, a support stand, wooden sphere, and hooked masses. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 46(4), 237] |
8A35.40 |
Satellite orbits |
The effect of atmospheric drag and temperature on satellite orbits. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 43(7), 452] |
8A35.50 |
Slingshot effect |
A simple explanation of the "slingshot effect" or "gravity assist". See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 23(8), 466] |
8A40, Planetary Properties: Globes, Hemispheres, & Maps
PIRA # |
Demonstration Name |
Abstract |
8A40.10 |
Globes |
Globes of Earth, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, etc. See [http://groups.physics.umn.edu/demo/old_page/astronomy.html University of Minnesota Handbook - 8A20.10] |
8A40.20 |
Globes and hemispheres |
The angles of any triangle on a sphere or hemisphere always add up to more than 180 degrees. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 32(8), 506] |
8A40.20 |
The minimum path length joining two points on a sphere's surface is a segment of a "great circle". globes and hemispheres See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ TPT 26(5), 280] |
8A50, Planetary Properties 2: The Planets
PIRA # |
Demonstration Name |
Abstract |
8A50.10 |
Mercury |
|
8A50.12 |
Mercury's Orbit |
Plotting Mercury's orbit from data in The Astronomical Almanac. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 29(6), 346] |
8A50.15 |
Perihelion of Mercury |
The precession of the perihelion of Mercury's orbit calculated using the LaPlace-Runge-Lenz vector.. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 73(8), 730] |
8A50.15 |
Perihelion of Mercury |
A Lagrangian yielding the same equations of motion that Einstein derived for the precession of the perihelion of Mercury. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 70(5), 498] |
8A50.20 |
Venus |
|
8A50.30 |
Earth |
|
8A50.30 |
Earth's Rotation |
Does the Earth rotate? Seven "proofs" for the rotation of the Earth. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 25(2), 86] |
|8A50.30||Earth's Rotation||Several other experiments carried out that proved the Earth rotates. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 25(7), 418]||
8A50.30 |
Earth's Rotation |
One more "proof" the Earth rotates. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 30(4), 196] |
8A50.30 |
Earth's Rotation |
Additional experiments on how we sense the Earth rotates. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 30(2), 111] |
8A50.30 |
Earth's Rotation |
Leeuwenhoek's "Proof" of the Earth's rotation. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 33(3), 144] |
8A50.30 |
Earth's Rotation |
Emperical evidence the Earth rotates by marking the length of a shadow of a rod in two minute intervals starting 20 minutes before midday and ending 20 minutes after midday. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 33(2), 116] |
8A50.34 |
Geological Timeline - Earth |
|
8A50.35 |
The Moon |
A calculation of how high you can jump on the Moon. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 11(1), 43] |
8A50.35 |
The Moon |
What information it takes to calculate the size of the Moon. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 38(3), 179] |
8A50.36 |
The Moon's orbit |
How to observe the Moon's path with a cross-staff and plot its path. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 29(3), 160] |
8A50.38 |
Moonquakes |
Detection and analysis of moonquakes by the seismometers left on the Moon by the Apollo astronauts. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 38(9), 522] |
8A50.39 |
The Moon's offset center-of-mass |
Comments on the center-of -mass offset of the Moon. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 46(7),762] |
8A50.40 |
Mars |
|
8A50.41 |
Mars Missions, Orbital Timing |
The problems, physics principles, and timing involved in a mission from Earth to Mars. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT, 43(5), 293] |
8A50.42 |
Aerobraking at Mars |
The physics of aerobraking at Mars. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 36(3), 154] |
8A50.45 |
Mars' moons |
|
8A50.50 |
Jupiter |
|
8A50.52 |
Jupiter |
Looking at the Solar System from Jupiter's reference frame. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 35(3), 178] |
8A50.55 |
Jupiter's moons / Galilean Satellites |
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8A50.55 |
Io |
The volcanos on Io. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 19(6), 402] |
8A50.55 |
Europa's Ocean |
An exercise exploring the effect of freefall acceleration on buoyancy and waves. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 25(8), 508] |
8A50.55 |
Galileo's discovery of Jupiter's moons |
A look at the challenges Galileo faced during his observation of the Jovian moons. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 30(2), 103] |
8A50.60 |
Saturn |
|
8A50.65 |
Saturn's Moons |
|
8A50.65 |
Mimas |
Statistics about Mimas and the view of Saturn from Mimas. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 26(4), 207] |
8A50.70 |
Uranus |
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8A50.75 |
Uranus' Moons |
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8A50.80 |
Neptune |
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8A50.85 |
Neptune's Moons |
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8A60, Planetary Properties 3: Planetoids, Minor Objects
PIRA # |
Demonstration Name |
Abstract |
8A70, Planetary Properties 4: Planetary Characteristics
PIRA # |
Demonstration Name |
Abstract |
8A80, Planetary Properties 5: Comets and the Search for Life
PIRA # |
Demonstration Name |
Abstract |
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