P-dog's blog: boring but important: 201010

20101022

Astronomy current events question: Gliese 581g non-existent?

Astronomy 210L, Fall Semester 2010
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Students are assigned to read online articles on current astronomy events, and take a short current events quiz during the first 10 minutes of lab. (This motivates students to show up promptly to lab, as the time cut-off for the quiz is strictly enforced!)

Rachel Courtland, "First Life-Friendly Exoplanet May Not Exist," October 13, 2010
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn19586-first-lifefriendly-exoplanet-may-not-exist.html

The evidence for the recent discovery of "potentially habitable" planet Gleise 581g has been called into question by another research group because of:
(A) analysis of slightly different data sets.
(B) accusations of academic misconduct.
(C) glitches in computer programs used.
(D) the extremely short lifetime of the star Gliese 581.
(E) periodic solar flares from the star Gliese 581.

Correct answer: (A)

Student responses
Sections 70178, 70186, 70200
(A) : 48 students
(B) : 2 students
(C) : 1 student
(D) : 2 students
(E) : 5 students

Astronomy current events question: Dawn spacecraft and Hubble Space Telescope

Astronomy.com editors, "Mission to Asteroid Gets Help from Hubble Space Telescope," October 11, 2010
http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=10304

The NASA Dawn spacecraft needs the Hubble Space Telescope to observe the asteroid Vesta in order to:
(A) avoid colliding with it while passing through the asteroid belt.
(B) fly by when sunlight can illuminate certain features on it.
(C) plan a landing somewhere on its equator.
(D) warn of possible volcanic eruptions on its surface.
(E) update its position, as the Dawn spacecraft is "flying blind."

Correct answer: (B)

Student responses
Sections 70178, 70186, 70200
(A) : 9 students
(B) : 24 students
(C) : 7 students
(D) : 2 students
(E) : 14 students

Astronomy current events question: "The Year of the Solar System"

Dr. Tony Phillips, "The Year of the Solar System," October 7, 2010
http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2010/07oct_yss/

NASA has announced that October 2010 through August 2012 will be "The Year of the Solar System," when:
(A) the sun lines up with the center of the Milky Way.
(B) planets are nearly aligned in a straight line.
(C) planets have the same configuration as during Galileo's time.
(D) a large number of spacecraft arrive at their destinations.
(E) a different planet is visible almost each and every night.

Correct answer: (D)

Student responses
Sections 70178, 70186, 70200
(A) : 3 students
(B) : 2 students
(C) : 1 student
(D) : 48 students
(E) : 4 students

Astronomy midterm question: SOFIA infrared observing options?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, Fall Semester 2010
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

[Version 1]

[20 points.] NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) is a 2.5 m diameter reflecting telescope mounted on a converted Boeing 747 aircraft that will make infrared observations in the upper atmosphere. Discuss whether this is the best option, compared to a space-based infrared telescope of similar size. Explain the reasoning behind your decision, in terms of cost-effectiveness and light-gathering ability.

(Image credit: "ED10-0080-03," NASA/Jim Ross,  http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/multimedia/imagegallery/SOFIA/ED10-0080-03.html.)

Solution and grading rubric:

p = 20/20:
Correct. In general, the atmosphere is not transparent to infrared, such that both a high-altitude airplane-borne telescope and a space-based telescope will be able to make observations. Since an airplane-borne telescope is cheaper than a space-based telescope, the airplane-borne telescope should be funded. (Or may want to fund the space-based telescope if plausible arguments for why flying an airplane continuously would be more expensive than placing a telescope in orbit, or having stability, continuous observing, or absolutely no atmospheric absorption would be paramount.)
r = 16/20:
Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors.
t = 12/20:
Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. Does not specifically discuss the relative transparency of Earth's atmosphere to infrared, but only in general terms such as disruption, inteference, distortion.
v = 8/20:
Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. Decision based on other considerations such accessibility and cost, without mention of atmospheric effects.
x = 4/20:
Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
y = 2/20:
Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
z = 0/20:
Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 70158
p: 37 students
r: 2 students
t: 8 students
v: 3 students
x: 1 students
y: 0 students
z: 1 student

A sample "p" response (from student 4117):

[Version 2]

[20 points.] NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) is a 2.5 m diameter reflecting telescope mounted on a converted Boeing 747 aircraft that will make infrared observations in the upper atmosphere. Discuss whether this is the best option, compared to a ground-based infrared telescope of similar size. Explain the reasoning behind your decision, in terms of cost-effectiveness and light-gathering ability.

(Image credit: "ED10-0080-03," NASA/Jim Ross,  http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/multimedia/imagegallery/SOFIA/ED10-0080-03.html.)

Solution and grading rubric:

p = 20/20:
Correct. In general, the atmosphere is not transparent to infrared, such that a ground-based infrared telescope would not be able to make observations, while a high-altitude airplane-borne telescope, or a space-based telescope will be able to make observations. Thus a ground-based infrared telescope (assuming at sea level or a relatively low elevation), while being cheaper than an airplane-borne telescope, would be ineffective and thus should not be funded. (Or may want to fund the "ground-based" telescope if placed on top of a high-enough mountain.)
r = 16/20:
Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors.
t = 12/20:
Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. Does not specifically discuss the relative transparency of Earth's atmosphere to infrared, but only in general terms such as disruption, inteference, distortion.
v = 8/20:
Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner.
x = 4/20:
Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
y = 2/20:
Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
z = 0/20:
Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 70160
p: 34 students
r: 2 students
t: 1 student
v: 0 students
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 1958):

20101021

Astronomy midterm question: implausible moonrise?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, Fall Semester 2010
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

[20 points.] Consider the following excerpt describing the rising of a crescent moon:

The sun sank and the world was wreathed in shadows. But not for long, for see, in the east there is a glow...and at last the full bow of the crescent moon peeps above the plain...
--H. Rider Haggard, King Solomon's Mines: A Novel, Longmans, Green and Co., 1901, pp. 114-115.

Decide whether seeing a crescent moon rising soon after sunset is plausible or implausible. Support your answer using a diagram showing the positions of the sun, moon, Earth, and an observer.

Solution and grading rubric:

p = 20/20:
Correct. Waning crescent moon rises at 3 AM (also the waxing crescent moon rises at 9 AM), so it cannot rise (in the east) soon after sunset, as it will already be in the west part of the sky. May instead discuss that a waning gibbous moon (or full moon) would rise soon after sunset.
r = 16/20:
Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors.
t = 12/20:
Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. Problems with either diagram, phase, or time, but at least attempts to argue implausibility based on restrictions on when moon phase is visible or not visible.
v = 8/20:
Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. Problems with diagram, phase, and time.
x = 4/20:
Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit. Explanation based on eclipses, solstices, etc.
y = 2/20:
Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
z = 0/20:
Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 70158
p: 19 students
r: 4 students
t: 8 students
v: 7 students
x: 7 students
y: 2 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 7734):

Another sample "p" response (from student 1986):

20101020

Astronomy midterm question: orbital eccentricity as reason for the seasons?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, Fall Semester 2010
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

[20 points.] A Harvard undergraduate student was interviewed just after his commencement ceremony to explain the causes of the seasons:

I think the seasons happen because as Earth travels around the sun, it gets nearer to the sun, which produces warmer weather, and [Earth] gets farther away [from the sun] which produces colder weather.
--A Private Universe, Science Media Group, Harvard University/Smithsonian Institution, Cambridge, MA (1989), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0wk4qG2mIg.

With the assumption that this explanation is correct, discuss the type of seasons that an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA (above the equator) will experience compared to an observer in Sydney, Australia (below the equator). Support your answer using a diagram showing the positions of the sun, Earth, and observers above and below the equator.

Solution and grading rubric:

p = 20/20:
Correct. Discusses that if the variation in sun-Earth distance is the cause of seasons (regardless of tilt), then SLO and Sydney will essentially experience the same seasons at the same time.
r = 16/20:
Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors. Some discussion of the student's assertion that distance is the cause of seasons, but emphasis on disproving student's assertion rather than on discussion of the seasons resulting from if the assertion were true. May have minor errors or inclusion of unrelated factors.
t = 12/20:
Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. Explains (correctly with a diagram) how Earth's tilt causes SLO and Sydney to have opposite seasons, but does not discuss the type of seasons that SLO and Sydney will experience if the student's assertion that distance is the cause of seasons is true.
v = 8/20:
Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. As (t), but diagram or explanation of the effect of tilt on seasons is problematic.
x = 4/20:
Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
y = 2/20:
Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
z = 0/20:
Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 70158
p: 18 students
r: 5 students
t: 19 students
v: 5 students
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 4242):

A sample "t" response (from student 1134):

20101017

Astronomy midterm question: morning star Saturn?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, Fall Semester 2010
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

[20 points.] Consider a popular online search (wordnetweb.princeton.edu) result for the definition of "morning star":

A planet (usually Venus) seen just before sunrise in the eastern sky.
--http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=morning%20star

Discuss whether it is possible or impossible for Saturn to also be a morning star, under this definition. Support your answer using a diagram showing the positions of the sun, Saturn, Earth, and an observer on Earth.

Solution and grading rubric:

p = 20/20:
Correct. Discusses the possibility of Saturn being in the eastern sky just before (or at) sunrise by drawing a heliocentric diagram with Saturn orbit larger than Earth's orbit, with Saturn near the opposite side of the sun (i.e., just after Earth and Saturn at conjunction), making Saturn visible to a morning observer, (slightly) higher above the same horizon as the rising sun.
r = 16/20:
Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors. Draws Saturn at or just past conjunction, which would place it low in the eastern horizon at sunrise, but claims impossible to see due to brightness of the sun, or generally indicates where Saturn must be located along its orbit to be visible at sunrise, but does not sufficiently place near the eastern horizon.
t = 12/20:
Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. Argues possibility or impossibility based on a diagram showing Saturn visible in the western horizon at sunrise, or visible in the eastern horizon at sunset.
v = 8/20:
Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. Problematic diagram with Earth's orbit inside of Venus, Saturn's orbit inside of Earth's.
x = 4/20:
Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
y = 2/20:
Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
z = 0/20:
Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 70160
p: 33 students
r: 1 student
t: 3 students
v: 3 students
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 3363):

20101016

Astronomy current events question: retrograde planet in binary star system

Alisdair Wilkins, "Retrograde Planets Could Survive Around Binary Stars," October 5, 2010
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/10/retrograde-binary-system/

University of Texas-Arlington researchers have proposed that a planet orbits a primary star in the opposite direction of its binary star companion, based on observations of the stars':
(A) reflected light.
(B) gravitational wobbles.
(C) eclipses.
(D) parallax.
(E) surrounding dusty disk gaps.

Correct answer: (B)

Student responses
Sections 70178, 70186, 70200
(A) : 2 students
(B) : 26 students
(C) : 2 students
(D) : 0 students
(E) : 1 student

Astronomy current events question: Gliese 581g

Alan MacRobert, "'Potentially Habitable' Planet Found," September 29, 2010
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/104031014.html

The "potentially habitable" planet Gliese 581g orbiting a red dwarf star was discovered by observing the star's:
(A) reflected light.
(B) gravitational wobbles.
(C) eclipses.
(D) parallax.
(E) surrounding dusty disk gaps.

Correct answer: (B)

Student responses
Sections 70178, 70186, 70200
(A) : 0 students
(B) : 19 students
(C) : 2 students
(D) : 1 student
(E) : 2 students

Astronomy current events question: Pan-STARRS telescope

Astronomy.com editors, "Pan-STARRS Discovers Its First Potentially Hazardous Asteroid," September 28, 2010
http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=10273

The Panoramic Survey Telescope & Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS) PS1 telescope is designed to detect:
(A) supernova neutrino emissions.
(B) asteroids that may impact Earth.
(C) solar flare disruptions.
(D) rapidly moving comets.
(E) space junk in low Earth orbit.

Correct answer: (B)

Student responses
Sections 70178, 70186, 70200
(A) : 1 student
(B) : 55 students
(C) : 2 students
(D) : 6 students
(E) : 0 students

Astronomy midterm question: Orion, day after Thanksgiving?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, fall semester 2010
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Shown at right is a comic strip[*] printed on November 23, 2007 (the day after Thanksgiving). Discuss a plausible time for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA to see the constellation Orion in the night sky on this date, or discuss why this comic strip is not plausible. Defend your answer by clearly explaining how you used your starwheel to do this, along with any assumptions that you may have made.

[*] Mark Parisi, Off the Mark, United Feature Syndicate, Inc., November 23, 2007,  http://www.offthemarkcartoons.com/cartoons/2007-11-23.gif

Solution and grading rubric:

p = 20/20:
Correct. Clearly explains that Orion's belt is visible on November 23 from 8 PM to 8 AM, which would make it visible throughout the entire night (most likely while highest overhead near 1 AM, as the observers are lying down looking upwards), making this comic strip plausible.
r = 16/20:
Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors.
t = 12/20:
Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors.
v = 8/20:
Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner.
x = 4/20:
Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
y = 2/20:
Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
z = 0/20:
Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 70160
p: 33 students
r: 1 student
t: 3 students
v: 3 students
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 2421):

20101013

Physics midterm problem: two-lens system

Physics 205B Midterm 1, Fall Semester 2010
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Cf. Giambattista/Richardson/Richardson, Physics, 2/e, Problem 24.1

[20 points.] An upright object is placed 10.0 cm to the left of a diverging lens with focal length –15.0 cm. A second converging lens with focal length +8.0 cm is to be placed to the right of the first lens. What is the minimum separation distance (in cm) between the first lens and second lens such that the second lens will be able to produce a real final image? Show your work and explain your reasoning.

Solution and grading rubric:

p = 20/20:
Correct. Determines that the first diverging lens will produce a virtual image located 6.0 cm in front of it. For the second converging lens to produce a real image, its object must be located outside of its secondary focal point, which is 8.0 cm in front of it. Since the image from the first lens will be the object for the second lens, the second lens must be placed at a minimum distance of 2.0 cm behind the first lens in order for the second lens to produce a final real image.
r = 16/20:
Nearly correct, but includes minor math errors. May have not sufficiently explained the conditions for the second lens to create a real image in terms of its object and focal length positions.
t = 12/20:
Nearly correct, but approach has conceptual errors, and/or major/compounded math errors. At least determined the location of the image produced by the first lens, and some attempt at constraining the location of the second lens.
v = 8/20:
Implementation of right ideas, but in an inconsistent, incomplete, or unorganized manner.
x = 4/20:
Implementation of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
y = 2/20:
Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
z = 0/20:
Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 70856
p: 7 students
r: 1 student
t: 3 students
v: 3 students
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 7673):

Another sample "p" response (from student 0097):

20101012

Astronomy in-class activity: OBAFGKM poetry slam (NCC)

Astronomy 210, Fall Semester 2010
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
(North County Campus)

Astronomy 210 In-class activity 14: OBAFGKM Poetry Slam

Students were instructed to use at least OBAFGKM, and/or part or all of the additional OBAFGKMRNSC or OBAFGKMLT extensions to individually write an original, coherent and an appropriate (nothing worse than "PG-13" rated!) mnemonic, and to give a rousing reading of their OBAFGKM mnemonic poem for the class.

Oh Boy Angie Fights Greatly Killing Monsters
--I. A.

Our Baby's A Greak! God Kill Me!
--C. B.

Odysseus Begged Athena For Guidance in Killing Many Lusty Trojans
--B. B.

Oh Boy, Another Fat Gator Kills Man Right Near Sand Creek
--T. B.

Once Bound, Assisted Free, Gallant Knight, My Rescuer, Now Swooning Comes
--K. C.

Only Bad Asses Fight Giant Killer Monsters
--S. C.

On Bears Angry Fear Goes Kilometers or Miles
--C. C.

Oh Boy Ask For Good Karma this Morning
--K. C.

Our Brilliant Astronomers Failed Gauging Kelvin, Man
--R. C.

Oozing Boots Are Freakin' Great for Kicking Monkeys
--M. G.

Odin's Breakfast Always Features German Kick-@$$ Muffins
--J. G.

Obama Beat A Fierce Giant Killer Midget
--S. H.

Obey Behemoth Ants For Great Killing Madness
--D. J.

Our Brother Aragorn Found Goblins Killing Men
--A. L.

Orion Begged And Fled Gorilla Killing Monkeys
--P. M.

Only Bad Apricots Ferment, Giving Kind Mellowness
--L. M.

Only Batman Avenges For Good, Killing Many Newborn Seals
--K. M.

Oblivious Boisterous Apes Forever Gone Krazy Mad
--T. P.

Ostriches Battle A Fierce Gorilla KarateMaster
--H. P.

Our Baseball-Appropriate Fans Get Killer Monkeys--So Rally, Not Clap
--A. R.

Odd Black Ants Fight Giants Kicking Men
--R. R.

Odd Beavers Acting Fancy Get Kicked Madly
--B. R.

Oh Beauty, Always Fading, Growing Keenly Morose
--K. R.

Oh Bobby Ate Flying Gorillas' Killer Mangoes
--B. S.

Oh Boy, All Flower Girls Kiss Monsters!
--K. S.

Odd Brazilian Attacks Fatal Giant Killing Machine
--D. S.

One Brutal Astronomer Fought Gnarly Karate Masters
--D. S.

On Board A Friggin' Giant Kayak, Man
--T. S.

Obnoxious Baboons Ate Fred's Giant Koala Meat
--C. S.

Ostrich Babies Always Feel Good Kissing Monkeys
--J. V.

Oh Bother, Another Fox Gone Kinda Maniac
--S. W.

On Big African Field, Gators Kill Monkeys
--J. W.

Orange Birds All Flying Go Killing Mammals
--M. W.

Only Beer And Fishing Give Killer Moods
--N. Z.

Astronomy in-class activity: OBAFGKM poetry slam instructions.

Astronomy in-class activity: OBAFGKM poetry slam (SLO)

Astronomy 210, Fall Semester 2010
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA
(San Luis Obispo Campus)

Astronomy 210 In-class activity 14: OBAFGKM Poetry Slam

Students were instructed to use at least OBAFGKM, and/or part or all of the additional OBAFGKMRNSC or OBAFGKMLT extensions to individually write an original, coherent and an appropriate (nothing worse than "PG-13" rated!) mnemonic, and to give a rousing reading of their OBAFGKM mnemonic poem for the class.

Ooo Baby A Fat Girl Kissed Me
--I. A.

Oh Bummer A Frog Got Killed Monday
--C. B.

Ooompa-Loompas Broke A Fat Guys Knees Murderously
--M. B.

Only Buy Another Foul Generic K-Mart Meat
Oppenheimer's Bomb Apparently Forged God's Killing Machine
--T. B.

Only Bright Astronomers Find Great Knowledge Meaningful
Only Bad Ass Friends Get Kinky Mistresses
--P. B.

Orange Baboons Always Flick Goobers Kindly My way
--J. C.

Orion's Belt Already Fell, Grab Khakis Man
--C. C.

Overly Bouncy Aliens Frequently Guarantee Kissable Martians
--B. D.

Oranges, Bananas and Figs Give Kyle Major Liquid Troubles
--A. F.

Oh Bummer, A Fat Guy Kicked Me
--J. F.

Oakland Breeds Awareness For Guns, Killing, Mugging; Love This town
--C. G.

Mickey Killed Goofy For A Body Organ
--J. H.

Officer Bob Almost Found George's Killer Machete
--M. H.

Our Belugas Are Friendly Giants, Keep in Mind
--L. H.

Oh, Boyfriends Always Forget Good Kissing Memories
--H. H.

Other Brothers Are From Graciously Kind Mothers Really Nursing Smelly Covers
--N. H.

Obviously Big Ants Feeding Generously Kills Mood
--E. H.

Oranges Believe Apples Feel Gorgeous Knowing Magic
--M. J.

Only Big American Farmers Go Killing Monsters
--N. K.

Oh Boy, Another Fun Game of Kicking Midget Lemurs Tomorrow
--M. L.

Obama Bears Arms For Greatly Killing Mutant Rhinos Near South Carolina
--K. M.

Only Bang's Astral Finish Grabs/Kicks Monstrous, Real Nail. So Cool!
--B. M.

Or Before Actually Failing Geometry go Kick your Maestro
--L. M.

Only Big And Furious Giants Kill Men
--J. R. P.

Our Brilliant Astronomers Find Giant Killer Mr. Len...Terrible
--J. K. P.

Oh Bears Are Freakin' Great Killer Musicians
--J. R.

Only Bad Asses Fight Giant Killing Monsters
--L. S.

Oh Boy, Adulthood Feels Great Knowing My Romantic Ninja Steals Crap
--J. S.

Oranges Bite Apples, Fight Grapes, Kick Mangos, Run, No Student Comments
--J. T.

Oddly Bananas Are From Green Killing Machines
--N. T.

Obese Babysitters Are Firmly Groping Kindly Midgets
--D. U.

Oh Boy! Are Freaks Going Kind, Madly Renting New Space Cars
--B. W.

Oh Be A Friend Grading Katherine's Midterm
--K. W.

Odd Bats And Flaming Guano Killed Me
--E. W.

Oh Boy, Another Funny Glee Keeps Me Loving Television
--B. Z.

Previous post:

Astronomy in-class activity: OBAFGKM poetry slam instructions.

20101010

Astronomy current events question: Saturn's aurorae

Astronomy.com editors, "Cassini Captures New Views of Saturn's Aurora," September 24, 2010
http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=10269

New detailed images of Saturn's __________ have been recently extracted from data taken by the NASA Cassini spacecraft Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer instrument.
(A) aurorae.
(B) rings.
(C) moons.
(D) lightning.
(E) polar ice caps.

Correct answer: (A)

Student responses
Sections 70178, 70186, 70200
(A) : 53 students
(B) : 10 students
(C) : 5 students
(D) : 0 students
(E) : 1 student

Astronomy current events question: Cassini flybys of Titan

Jia-Rui C. Cook, "Cassini Gazes at Veiled Titan," September 23, 2010
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/cassini/whycassini/cassini20100923b.html

The NASA Cassini spacecraft will make a series of flybys of Saturn's moon Titan, in order to closely study Titan's:
(A) active volcanoes.
(B) ice crust movement.
(C) gravitational field.
(D) atmosphere.
(E) core convection.

Correct answer: (D)

Student responses
Sections 70178, 70186, 70200
(A) : 1 student
(B) : 8 students
(C) : 4 students
(D) : 49 students
(E) : 0 students

Astronomy current events question: Phobos' origin

Kelly Beatty, "Phobos: A Chip Off of Mars?," September 21, 2010
http://www.skyandtelescope.com/news/103436939.html

Observations of Phobos' _________ by the European Space Agency Mars Express Orbiter may provide evidence that Mars' moon Phobos was debris blasted off of the surface of Mars.
(A) mineral composition.
(B) crater density.
(C) overall shape.
(D) lava formations.
(E) dry ice in shadowed craters.

Correct answer: (A)

Student responses
Sections 70178, 70186, 70200
(A) : 43 students
(B) : 15 students
(C) : 4 students
(D) : 2 students
(E) : 0 students

20101009

Overheard: rainbows and unicorns

Astronomy 210L, Fall Semester 2010
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

(Overheard during an introductory astronomy laboratory on spectrometers.)

Student: (Looking through a spectrometer at fluorescent light tube, which has a faint continuous spectrum along with bright emission lines.) "I'm not sure if this working!"

Instructor: "What do you see? Do you see the rainbow?"

Student: "Uh-huh."

Instructor: "What else do you see? Do you see the unicorns?"

Student: "The...what?!?"

Instructor: "Do you see a bunch of colored lines?"

(Beat.)

Student: "I see them."

Instructor: "Those colored lines are the horns of unicorns."

P-dog's blog: boring but important