What is Astronomy Academic Computer Center什么是天文学学术计算机中心.pptVIP

PSC101- Introduction to Astronomy What is Astronomy? A branch of science. Studies the motions, origins, and properties of celestial objects using the scientific method. Has its origins in ancient history. What is Astronomy? Almost all knowledge is gained through study of light. Almost always impossible to perform experiments (too far) Astronomy has made great advances with new technologies. Origins of Astronomy - Time The Sun, Moon and stars served humanity for thousands of years as a clock and a calendar. Their motions were predictable. Today we have other means of measuring time but long ago an accurate understanding of the skies could mean life or death. Studying the skies told people when to plant and harvest, when to go out to sea, when to expect good or bad weather, etc. Time - Day Night How do you know what time it is? How high is the sun in the sky? Morning - sunrise Evening - sunset Does the Sun really rise and set? Time Day Night- Earth’s Spin In reality because the Earth rotates on its axis from West to East the Sun, Moon and stars all appear to move from East to West. The Sun appears to rise in the East and set in the West because the Earth spins. The Moon however also orbits the Earth traveling from West to East but it takes much longer than 24 hours to orbit the Earth. However from night to night you can see the Moon change position. Time - The Moon and Months It takes the Moon about one month to orbit the Earth Our calendar of months was originally based on the Moon The word “Month” is derived from the word “Moon” Jewish and Islamic calendars are still based on the Moon. The New Moon starts a new month. Time - Year and Seasons Cultures around the world marked the Sun’s yearly motion through the stars. Summer - Sun is farthest North. Winter - Sun is farthest South. Knowing when these dates occurred was very important for agricultural societies Earth’s Orbital Motion As the Earth orbits the Sun it appears that the Sun is actually moving. The Su