[:PiraScheme#Astronomy: Table of Astronomy]

[:PlanetaryAstronomy:Astronomy(8A):Planetary Astronomy]

[:Cosmology:Astronomy(8C):Cosmology]

[:Demonstrations:Lecture Demonstrations]

PIRA #

Demonstration Name

Abstract

8B10.10

60 W Sun

Add abstract in Handbook.FM

8B10.20

The Solar Constant

Accurate methods to calculate the amount of energy the Earth receives from the Sun. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT, 42(4), 196]

8B10.20

Solar Constant

See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 38(6), 333]

8B10.20

Solar Constant Lab

Inexpensive equipment used to measure the solar constant. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 15(3), 172]

8B10.22

Solar Energy

Measurement of solar energy from the Sun. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 45(10), 981]

8B10.24

Solar Luminosity

Estimating hc/k from observations of sunlight. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 73(10), 979]

8B10.24

Solar Luminosity

Experiments measuring the solar constant used to calculate the luminosity of the Sun. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 74(8), 728]

8B10.24

Solar luminosity

Use a light bulb of known wattage to calculate the luminosity of the Sun. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 29(2), 96]

8B10.25

Solar Wien Peak

A discussion of why the human eye sees best at the yellow-green wavelengths which is well away from the Wien peak. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 71(3), 216]

8B10.25

Solar Wien Peak

A calculation that puts the Sun's Wien peak at 710 nm. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 71(12), 322] See also AJP 71(6), 519.

8B10.30

The Sun's Temperature

How to calculate the Sun's temperature from known data. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 17(8), 531]

8B10.35

The Sun's Diameter

How to use a pinhole to calculate the diameter of the Sun. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 38(5), 272]

8B10.35

The Sun's Size

Using ratios and models in class to bring the size of the Sun into perspective. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 38(2), 115]

8B10.35

The Sun's Size

How the observed size of the Sun changes from perihelion to aphelion. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 39(4), 249]

8B10.35

The Sun's Diameter

Use an index card with a small hole and a meter stick to determine the diameter of the Sun.

8B10.40

Lava Lamp

Making a lava lamp which can be used to show convection cells. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 46(4), 219]

8B10.50

Sunspots

8B10.50

Sunspot on the Overhead

A light bulb on a variac is turned up to visible glow and placed on an overhead projector that is turned off. When the overhead is turned on, the filament appears as a dark spot.

8B10.50

Sunspot Hallway Demo

In a brightly lit room open the door to a dimly lit hallway. The hallway appears dark. Gradually dim the room lights and observe how the hallway dramatically lights up. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 35(6), 334]

8B10.60

Random Walk

Flip coin to model 1-d random walk. Execute a computer program or shake a pan of ping pong balls or tennis balls to model a 2-d random walk.

8B10.60

Random Walk - Modeling the Energy Outflow in Stars

Use a Bumble Ball ( a common toy ) to illustrate the random walk of high energy photons in a star. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT,37(4), 236]

8B10.70

Solar Oscillations

8B10.80

Stellar/Nuclear Fusion

A model built from magnets to demonstrate the forces in nuclear fusion. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 62(9), 804]

8B10.80

Stellar Fusion

A look at fission and fusion and a determination as to which processes or nuclei release more energy. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 43(5), 303]

8B10.90

Poynting-Robertson Effect

How to demo the Poynting-Robertson effect using an air track, air cart, and an air hose blowing air down onto the air track. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 42(2), 119]

PIRA #

Demonstration Name

Abstract

8B20.10

Stellar Spectra

Using stellar spectra to classify stars according to temperature. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 38(1), 35]

8B20.20

Doppler Effect & Stellar Spectra

A flaw in the argument of observed red shifts as proof of an expanding universe. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 26(2), 102]

8B20.20

Doppler Effect & Stellar Spectra

The effect of the Doppler shift on the spectrum of stars as observed by space travelers. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 35(3), 160]

8B20.20

Doppler Effect & Stellar Spectra

How the energy of a photon is directly proportional to frequency and how this is not a violation of energy conservation when applied to the observed Doppler effect. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 21(9), 616]

8B20.20

Doppler Effect & Stellar Spectra

A further discussion on energy conservation and the Doppler effect. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 22(6), 350]

8B20.40

Gamma Ray Line Astronomy

Gamma ray line astronomy (GRLA) used to detect spectral features from stars. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 19(8), 527]

PIRA #

Demonstration Name

Abstract

8B30.10

Stellar Magnitude Simulator

Six LEDs are adjusted so they appear to form a linear progression from dim to bright. The actual brightness is then measured. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 46(8),813]

8B30.10

Stellar Magnitude

An explanation of stellar magnitude and how it is used. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 29(5), 273]

8B30.20

HR diagram

Why is the Sun so large. Deriving a lower limit on the radius and mass of a hydrogen-burning star. Why 90 percent of stars lie in the "main sequence". See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 74(10), 938]

8B30.20

HR Diagram

Transformation of a main sequence star to a red giant is discussed. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 68(5), 421]

8B30.20

HR Diagram

Using part of the PSSC text to teach about the HR diagram. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 27(4), 231]

8B30.20

HR Diagram

A discussion of a simple but often missed important implication of the Main Sequence. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 34(6), 327]

8B30.20

HR Diagram

A student-centered, learning-cycle approach to teaching star life cycles. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 42(6), 347]

8B30.20

HR Diagram

The use of variable stars as a means to observe aging of stars. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 25(7), 420]

8B30.30

Stellar Lifecycle

Inquiry based Stellar lifecycle exercise. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 42(6), 347]

8B30.30

Stellar Lifecycle

How the force of gravity can be responsible for the birth and death of stars. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 17(4), 278]

8B30.30

Stellar Lifecycle

A look at how a star is born and the processes that determine it's lifecycle. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 10(4), 182]

8B30.30

Stellar Lifecycle

Part 2 of a look at how a star is born and the processes that determine it's lifecycle. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 10(6), 299]

8B30.35

Binary Star System

How to observe eclipsing binary stars and make a model from an "N" gauge railroad set and light bulbs. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 7(8), 453]

8B30.35

Binary Star System

A discussion of the aberration of light from a binary star system. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 35(9), 817]

8B30.35

Binary Star System

Two different size balls on a rod can be used to model a binary star system. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 28(6), 425]

8B30.35

Binary Star System

A model eclipsing binary star system using light bulbs. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 17(7), 456]

8B30.40

Variable Star Simulation

A ball eclipses a lamp. The output from a phototransistor is conditioned by a ADC/microcomputer/DAC on the way to an oscilloscope display. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 51(7),668]

8B30.40

Variable Stars

Variable stars are used to provide information about properties, processes, and evolution of stars. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 31(9), 541]

8B30.42

Supernova

Resource Letter: OTS-1: Obervations and theory of supernovae. Also, many books and review articles. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 71(1), 11]

8B30.42

Synthesized Variable Star

Use a PROM to store the curves for variable stars. No microprocessor, the curve is generated with a simple hardware circuit. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 46(11),1197]

8B30.42

Variable Star Simulation

A dimmer control is varied by a cam on a motor drive. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 44(12),1227]

8B30.42

Digital Variable Star

A simple circuit drives a lamp with data stored in EPROM to generate real light curves from various types of variable stars. Also includes discussion of a classroom photometer. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 54(11),976]

8B30.45

Supernova

What happens and what results from the death of a star. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 9(6), 326]

8B30.45

Supernova

The Crab Nebula and some results from the death of a star. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 7(1), 24]

8B30.50

Supernova Core Bounce

Velocity amplification in collision experiments involving Superballs. Analysis and how to make the demonstration. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 39(6), 656]

8B30.50

Supernova Core Bounce

Use the double ball bounce to illustrate supernova core bounce. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 28(8),558]

8B30.50

Supernova Core Bounce

Use the "Astro-Blaster" toy to demonstrate the supernova core bounce. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 33(6), 358]

8B30.50

Supernova Core Bounce

Other combinations of ball that can be used to demonstrate a supernova core bounce. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 33(9), 548]

8B30.50

Supernova Core Bounce

Analysis of multiple ball collisions and suggestions for safer multiple ball collision demonstrations. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 30(1), 46]

8B30.50

Supernova Core Bounce

How to make an aligner for elastic collision of multiple dropped balls. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 33(1), 56]

8B30.50

Supernova Core Bounce

Comments on non-ideal multiball collisions. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 30(4), 197]

8B30.55

Flashbulb Supernova

Add abstract in Handbook.FM

8B30.60

Neutron Stars

Neutron star projects for undergraduates. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 72(7), 892]

8B30.65

Pulsar Model

8B30.70

Pulsar Recording

8B30.70

Pulsars

Observations of pulsars used in the lab or the classroom. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 46(5), 530]

8B30.70

Pulsars

Observations and speculation of 4 pulsars. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 9(5), 232]

8B30.72

X-Ray Pulsar

Calculation of the "spindown" rate of the x-ray pulsar SGR 1806-20. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 68(8), 775]

8B30.75

White Dwarfs

8B30.90

Nebula

8B30.95

Forward and Backward Acattering

Clap erasers in front of and behind a clear 60 W lamp. See [http://groups.physics.umn.edu/demo/old_page/astronomy.html University of Minnesota Handbook - 8B10.40]

8B30.95

Forward and Backward Scattering

Aim a laser or laser pointer through a fish tank filled with water that has a small amount of Pine-Sol added to it. Forward, side, and back scattering can be observed.

PIRA #

Demonstration Name

Abstract

8B40.10

Black Holes

Look inside a black hole. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 45(5), 423]

8B40.10

Black Holes

How long can an observer wait before rescuing an object falling into a black hole. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 56(1), 27]

8B40.10

Black Holes

On the radius of black holes. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 42(11), 1039]

8B40.10

Black Holes

A simple model for the emission of particles by black holes. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 46(6),678]

8B40.10

Black Holes

Two analytical models of gravitational collapse. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 73(12), 1148]

8B40.10

Black Holes

Part 1. To convey the properties of black hole to students it is useful to put them human terms, such as "The hazards of encountering a black hole". See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 23(9), 540]

8B40.10

Black Holes

Some simple black hole thermodynamics. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 41(5), 299]

8B40.10

Black Holes

How dense is a black hole?? See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 39(2), 84]

8B40.10

Black Holes

Part 2. To convey the properties of black hole to students it is useful to put them human terms, such as "The hazards of encountering a black hole". See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 24(1), 29]

8B40.10

Black Holes

A black hole in our galactic center. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 46(1), 10]

8B40.20

Black Hole Surface

A large fiberglass black hole potential surface from some museum in Philly. See [http://groups.physics.umn.edu/demo/old_page/astronomy.html University of Minnesota Handbook - 8C20.10]

8B40.30

Membrane Table

Swimsuit fabric stretched over a wood frame is deformed with a weight and balls are rolled around. See [http://groups.physics.umn.edu/demo/old_page/astronomy.html University of Minnesota Handbook - 8C20.20]

8B40.35

Potential Well/Hill

How to make a potential well or hill from a Pexiglas sheet on a frame. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 16(7), 504]

8B40.40

Gravity Well

Use this demonstration when discussing black holes and gravity wells.

8B40.50

Magnetic Field Coupling

PIRA #

Demonstration Name

Abstract

8B50.10

Distance to Stars

How to construct an "Astronomy Angulator" to calculate small angles to assist in naked-eye observations. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 39(3), 187]

8B50.20

Stellar Diameter Measurement

The angular separation of two artificial stars is measured by the Michelson method of measuring stellar diameters. Diagrams, Reference: AJP 27(2),101.

8B50.30

Interferometry

Stellar interferometers used to measure the angular diameters of stars. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 39(7), 428]

8B50.40

Stellar Energy Radiation

A look at the processes that determine the energy radiated by a star. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 28(8), 526]

8B50.50

Stellar Radiation

What does it take to make a sun shine. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 46(1), 23]

8B50.60

Lookback Time

Note historic events going on when light from specific distant stars started its journey to Earth. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 31(7), 422]

8B50.60

Lookback Time

Lookback times and how to calculate them. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 27(7), 518]

8B50.70

Olbers' Paradox

Why is the sky dark at night when there are so many stars. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 45(2), 119]

8B50.70

Olbers' Paradox

The expansion of the universe may also be used to explain Olbers' paradox. See [http://scitation.aip.org/ajp/ American Journal of Physics - AJP 46(9), 923]

8B50.70

Olbers' Paradox

Why is the sky dark at night when there are so many stars. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 38(2), 122]

8B50.80

Gamma Ray Bursts

Gamma Ray Bursts (GRB's) and the effects of time dialation and time contraction. See [http://scitation.aip.org/tpt/ The Physics Teacher - TPT 36(3), 176]