Astronomy midterm question: Great Square and Big Dipper just after sunset

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, spring semester 2020
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

An online astronomy magazine article describes the positions of the "Great Square" (located between the constellations Andromeda and Pegasus) and the Big Dipper just after sunset:[*]:

After dark now the Great Square [between Andromeda and Pegasus] is declining low in the west, tipped onto one corner. Meanwhile the Big Dipper is creeping up in the northeast, tipped up on its handle.

Discuss a plausible date and time for someone in San Luis Obispo, CA to make this observation of the Great Square and the Big Dipper in the early evening sky. If there is no such plausible date and time, then explain why. Defend your answer by clearly explaining how you used your starwheel to do this, along with any assumptions that you may have made. (Ignore daylight saving time.)

[*] skyandtelescope.com/observing/sky-at-a-glance/.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Correct. Discussion includes the following:
  1. locates the Great Square and the Big Dipper asterisms on the starwheel, and rotates starwheel such that the Great Square is just above the west horizon, while the Bigger Dipper is near the northeast horizon; and
  2. selects a time that is dark enough to see stars in the early evening (somewhere between 7 PM and 10 PM or so); and
  3. looks up a specific date corresponding to that early evening time.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors. May have selected midnight, sunrise or some other time of night not convincingly "after dark," "just after sunset" or an "early evening" time.
• t:
  Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. May have Great Square near east horizon, and Big Dipper near the west horizon.
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. At least attempts to use starwheel in a systematic manner.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit. Discussion not clearly based on using a starwheel in a systematic manner.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 30674
Exam code: midterm01n7in
p: 21 students
r: 5 students
t: 3 students
v: 1 student
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

Section 30676
Exam code: midterm01S7wY
p: 27 students
r: 11 students
t: 2 students
v: 3 students
x: 2 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 2020):

Astronomy midterm question: Auriga, Gemini, and Leo in early evening sky

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, fall semester 2019
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

An astronomy magazine article describes the positions of constellations in the night sky at a certain time of year[*]:

Early in the evening, Auriga and Gemini are high in the sky, while Leo, the Lion, stands at attention about halfway up the sky.

Discuss a plausible date and time for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA to make this observation of Auriga, Gemini, and Leo in the early evening sky. If there is no such plausible date and time, then explain why. Defend your answer by clearly explaining how you used your starwheel to do this, along with any assumptions that you may have made. (Ignore daylight saving time.)

[*] "Sky Maps: December 2018-December 2019," Skywatch (2019), p. 18.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Correct. Discussion includes the following:
  1. locates the constellations Auriga and Gemini on the starwheel, and rotates starwheel such that both are at or near the zenith (Leo will then be visible somewhere between the zenith and the eastern horizon); and
  2. selects a time that is dark enough to see stars in the early evening (somewhere between 7 PM and 10 PM or so); and
  3. looks up the date (March/April) corresponding to that early evening time.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors. Places Auriga and Gemini at the zenith, but discusses December at 12 AM or June at 1 PM as an "early evening" time, or has March/April but does not explicitly choose a time.
• t:
  Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. Finds a plausible date and evening time (or discusses that this would be impossible) when Auriga and Gemini are low in the west horizon, with Leo high in the sky.
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. At least attempts to use starwheel in a systematic manner.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit. Discussion not clearly based on using a starwheel in a systematic manner.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 70158
Exam code: midterm01Sw3e
p: 19 students
r: 6 students
t: 9 students
v: 2 students
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

Section 70160
Exam code: midterm01N0dL
p: 7 students
r: 3 students
t: 11 students
v: 2 students
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 2120):

Astronomy midterm question: Cassiopeia and Orion visible in March 27 night sky?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, spring semester 2019
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Shown at right is a comic strip[*] published on March 27, 1994. Determine a plausible time for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA to be able to see both the constellation Cassiopeia and the constellation Orion somewhere 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.

[*] Mort Walker and Chance Browne, "Hi & Lois" (March 27, 1994), King Features Syndicate.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Correct. Locates the constellations Cassiopeia and Orion on the starwheel, and rotates starwheel such that both are still visible in the sky on March 27 (from approximately 12 PM to 11 PM), and within that range selects a time that is dark enough to see stars (after approximately 7 PM), such that this would be plausible for time within the range 7 PM to 11 PM on that date.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors. Discusses how this is not plausible, because at 12 AM on March 27 Orion will have already set, but does not consider a slightly earlier time that night where both Cassiopeia and Orion would be visible.
• t:
  Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. Discusses some date other than March 27 to find a time when both Cassiopeia and Orion would be visible in the night sky.
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. At least attempts to use starwheel in a systematic manner.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit. Discussion not clearly based on using a starwheel in a systematic manner.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 30676
Exam code: midterm01SFBk
p: 31 students
r: 5 students
t: 3 students
v: 4 students
x: 1 student
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 1929):
Another sample "p" response (from student 4132):
Another sample "p" response (from student 7415):
A sample "r" response (from student 0815), only considering midnight on March 27 to test for (im)plausibility:
A sample "t" response (from student 7563), testing for a plausible time on another date besides March 27:

Astronomy midterm question: early evening Arcturus and Spica high in the sky at start of a season?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, fall semester 2018
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

An astronomy magazine article[*] describes the positions of star and constellations in the sky at a certain time of year:

Arcturus and Spica are the two brightest stars in the constellations Boötes and Virgo. Both are now superbly placed high in the sky in the early evening at the start of this season.

Discuss at the start of which season (spring/summer/fall/winter) would be the most plausible for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA to see Arcturus and Spica high in the sky in the early evening. If there is no such plausible start of a season, then explain why. Defend your answer by clearly explaining how you used your starwheel to do this, along with any assumptions that you may have made. (Ignore daylight saving time.)

[*] "Sky Maps: December 2016-December 2017," Skywatch (2017), p. 20.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Correct. Discussion includes the following:
  1. turns starwheel such that Arcturus and Spica are "placed high in the sky" (at or near the meridian);
  2. reads off a plausible date corresponding to a time in the "early evening" (6 PM-9 PM?); and
  3. relates this date to a specific start of a season (in this case, late June, hence the start of summer).
  May argue that this sky in the early evening does not exactly coincide with the exact start of summer (or any season), and thus no start of any season is possible.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors. May have interpreted "early evening" to be 5 PM-6 PM, and thus picks mid-August as the "start(?) of fall."
• t:
  Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. Picks October or November in the early evening, but this places Arcturus and Spica low in the western sky, and not "placed high in the sky."
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. At least attempts to use starwheel in a systematic manner.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit. Discussion not clearly based on using a starwheel in a systematic manner.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 70158
Exam code: midterm01Sa1Y
p: 19 students
r: 6 students
t: 0 students
v: 0 students
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

Section 70160
Exam code: midterm01n4mR
p: 17 students
r: 4 student
t: 13 students
v: 0 students
x: 2 students
y: 1 student
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 1168)
Another sample "p" response (from student 4747)

Astronomy midterm question: Sagittarius as both sun-sign and rising-sign?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, spring semester 2017
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

An astronomy question on an online discussion board was asked and answered[*]:

NSt: I recently went to see an astrologer in my town, and was told that that my sun-sign is Libra and my rising sign is Aquarius. Anyways, is that wrong? If you want to figure it out, I was born 12/25 at 8:30 AM.
ArZ: It looks to me like you are clearly both a Sagittarius sun-sign with a Sagittarius rising sign.

Discuss why this answer is correct for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA. Support your answer by clearly explaining how you used your starwheel to do this, along with any assumptions that you may have made. (Ignore daylight saving time. Assume you can see stars in daylight.)

[*] answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080921194418AAO10gc.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Correct. Discussion includes the following:
  1. confirms that Sagittarius is the sun-sign for a 12/25 birthday by finding that it is on the meridian at 12 PM on that day (where the sun also be located); and
  2. confirms that Sagittarius is the rising sign, as it is rising on the east horizon at 8:30 AM on 12/25.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors.
• t:
  Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. Only has correct verification of sun-sign or rising-sun only.
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. At least attempts to use starwheel in a systematic manner.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit. Discussion not clearly based on using a starwheel in a systematic manner.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 30674
Exam code: midterm01nghT
p: 16 students
r: 0 students
t: 6 students
v: 1 student
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

Section 30676
Exam code: midterm01sP4m
p: 35 students
r: 4 students
t: 5 students
v: 0 students
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 1988): Another sample "p" response (from student 9449):

Astronomy midterm question: time for northeast-rising constellation to reach meridian

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, fall semester 2016
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

The following claim was made on an online discussion board[*]:

Ricd: Assuming that a constellation is rising in the east (and not the northeast), then it will be at its highest point in the sky around six hours later.

Discuss how the time for a constellation to rise from the northeast and reach its highest point would be different than six hours, for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA. Support your answer by clearly explaining how you used your starwheel to do this, along with any assumptions that you may have made. (Ignore daylight saving time. Assume you can see stars in daylight.)

[*] answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20121011073839AA7dhdS .

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Correct. Discussion includes the following:
  1. selects a constellation that rises in the northeast;
  2. determines on a given date that there are more than six hours from the rise time to the highest overhead time (when at the meridian); or finds that six hours after rising from the northeast, the constellation has not yet reached the meridian.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors.
• t:
  Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors.
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. At least attempts to use starwheel in a systematic manner.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit. Discussion not clearly based on using a starwheel in a systematic manner.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 70158
Exam code: midterm01s4uL
p: 18 students
r: 11 students
t: 4 students
v: 5 students
x: 5 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

Section 70160
Exam code: midterm01n4AN
p: 10 students
r: 2 students
t: 5 students
v: 6 students
x: 6 students
y: 1 student
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 4135) for Gemini:
Another sample "p" response (from student 2727) for Boötes:
Yet another sample "p" response (from student 0730), comparing the "Great Square" asterism with Aquarius:

Astronomy midterm question: winter coming when Orion rises in evening?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, spring semester 2016
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

The following story relates how the constellation Orion is used to track the coming of winter[*]:

Orion is a sure sign that winter is near. During the first two weeks of December you can see Orion beginning to emerge above the eastern horizon in the early evening.

Discuss why this description of Orion is plausible for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA. Defend your answer by clearly explaining how you used your starwheel to do this, along with any assumptions that you may have made.

[*] souledout.org/nightsky/orionavigation/orionavigation.html.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Correct. Discussion includes the following:
  1. sets starwheel to some date in the first two weeks of December at a plausible "early evening" time;
  2. verifies that Orion is "beginning to emerge" from the eastern horizon.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors.
• t:
  Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors.
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. At least attempts to use starwheel in a systematic manner to locate Orion in the sky at certain dates/times.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit. Discussion not clearly based on using a starwheel in a systematic manner.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 30674
Exam code: midterm01n0rD
p: 19 students
r: 0 students
t: 0 students
v: 3 students
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 0414):
A sample "p" response (from student 1597):

Astronomy midterm question: meridian zodiac sign at sunset?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, spring semester 2015
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

An astronomy question on an online discussion board[*] was asked and answered:

f_14: Which constellation of the zodiac is highest in the sky at sunset tonight? Explain how you deduced the answer.
p_b: Gemini. The sun is now in Pisces today and since that constellation sets with the sun, at that point of time Gemini is at the zenith.

Discuss a plausible date and time for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA to find these positions of Gemini and Pisces. If there is no such plausible date and time, then explain why. Defend your answer by clearly explaining how you used your starwheel to do this, along with any assumptions that you may have made.

[*] answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100916125243AABASB3.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Correct. Discussion for plausible date/time includes the following:
  1. determines when Pisces would be the sun-sign, by setting Pisces at the meridian, and finding the date what would correspond to 12 PM (March 30);
  2. sets Pisces on the west horizon of the starwheel such that it (and the sun) is setting;
  3. verifies that Gemini is at the meridian at that time on March 30 (around 7 PM).
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors. Has two of the three discussion points in (p).
• t:
  Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. Has only one of the three discussion points in (p).
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. Some related discussion of using starwheel to find sun-signs, diurnal motion (rising/setting).
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 30676
Exam code: midterm01sh3P
p: 33 students
r: 8 students
t: 6 students
v: 5 students
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 7495):
Another sample "p" response (from student 7495):

Astronomy midterm question: Libra sun-sign with Gemini rising

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, spring semester 2015
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

An astronomy question on an online discussion board[*] was asked and answered:

??: Okay, I have a Libra sun-sign and a Gemini rising sign. Someone please explain what they mean!
fk: The sun sign is technically the sign the sun was in on the day you were born, and the rising sign was the sign rising on the horizon at the time of day you were born.

Discuss a plausible date and time for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA to find the sun in Libra, with Gemini rising. If there is no such plausible date and time, then explain why. Defend your answer by clearly explaining how you used your starwheel to do this, along with any assumptions that you may have made.

[*] answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=1006041109420.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Correct. Discussion for plausible date/time includes the following:
  1. determines when Libra would be the sun-sign, by setting Libra at the meridian, and finding the date what would correspond to 12 PM (November 10);
  2. sets Gemini on the east horizon of the starwheel such that it is rising;
  3. looks at the time (around 8 PM to 9 PM) on November 10 that corresponds to when Gemini would rise.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors. Has two of the three discussion points in (p). May find when Libra is the sun-sign, but adds additional restriction that Libra (and the sun) must still be visible in the sky when Gemini is rising, which is not possible.
• t:
  Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. Has only one of the three discussion points in (p).
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. Some related discussion of using starwheel to find sun-signs, diurnal motion (rising/setting).
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 30674
Exam code: midterm01nR31
p: 4 students
r: 22 students
t: 11 students
v: 0 students
x: 1 student
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 7495):
A sample "r" response (from student 7897) discussing Gemini setting, instead of rising:
A sample "r" response (from student 0104), with a diagram showing Gemini setting (and not rising):

Astronomy midterm question: summer coming when Scorpius rises in morning?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, fall semester 2014
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

An astronomy article[*] discusses how the constellation Scorpius can be used as a sign of the changing seasons:

I once heard Edwin Hubble remark, "Well, summer is on the way. I saw Scorpius rising this morning."

Discuss a plausible date and time for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA to make this observation of Scorpius a signal that "summer is on the way." If there is no such plausible date and time, then explain why. Defend your answer by clearly explaining how you used your starwheel to do this, along with any assumptions that you may have made.

[*] G. Purdam; R.S. Richardson "Naked Eye Objects: Your Favorites?" The Griffith Observer, Vol. 44, No. 8 (August 1980), p. 23, books.google.com/books?id=Y_vxAAAAMAAJ.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Correct. Discussion arguing for plausible date/time for Scorpius rising in the morning to signal the start of summer includes the following:
  1. manipulates starwheel (planisphere) such that Scorpius is rising from the eastern horizon;
  2. chooses a plausible "morning" (but still dark) time (12 AM to 6 AM) to view stars;
  3. chooses a corresponding month that would plausibly be soon before the start of summer.
  However, if "rises in the morning" is strictly applied to sunrise or just before sunrise, then Scorpius is found to be rising during December/January, in which case student may either argue for plausibility (just past winter solstice, so days will get longer advancing towards the summer solstice) or implausibility (middle of winter).
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors. Diagram and/or explanation has minor errors. Problems with one of the three discussion points in (p); may have Scorpius transiting or high overhead; may pick a daytime hour; or may pick a month that is not soon before the start of summer. Or intends "rises in the morning" to be taken as sunrise, but instead picks a time well after sunrise.
• t:
  Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. Problems with diagram or discussion; has only one of the three discussion points in (p).
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. Some related discussion of starwheel use, morning times, and seasons.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 70158
Exam code: midterm01neVs
p: 22 students
r: 15 student
t: 6 students
v: 2 students
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

Section 70160
Exam code: midterm01s4Tn
p: 20 students
r: 2 students
t: 4 students
v: 6 students
x: 4 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 7809), finding for plausibility:
A sample "p" response (from student 1770), arguing for implausibility:
A sample "r" response (from student 2125), placing Scorpius at its highest point in the sky:
A sample "r" response (from student 3566), placing Scorpius low over the west horizon instead of the east horizon:
A sample "t" response (from student 5656), placing Scorpius in its highest point in the sky at noon:

Astronomy midterm question: plausible date/time for viewing circumpolar constellation configuration

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, spring semester 2014
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

An illustration depicting a boy wearing shorts outside at night, observing the Etoile Polaire ("Pole Star," or Polaris), Petite Ourse ("Little Bear," or Ursa Minor), and Grande Ourse ("Big Bear," or Ursa Major) is shown at right[*]. Discuss whether or not this illustration is plausible for an observer on a seasonally warm night in San Luis Obispo, CA. Defend your answer by clearly explaining how you used your starwheel to do this, along with any assumptions that you may have made.

[*] Original source unknown, from pinterest.com/pin/181903272422342959/.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Correct. Discusses (1) how to manipulate starwheel such that constellations match view of (northeast) view of horizon, and (2) chooses a plausible time at night (to view stars) and (3) interprets matching month as either implausible (as this would occur in late fall to early winter), or plausible given high cold tolerance of boy, and/or temperate weather conditions of California's central coast. May instead discuss these points in reverse order.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors.
• t: Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. Problems with diagram or discussion. May have inverted starwheel, resulting in the opposite season of year.
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 30674
Exam code: midterm01n3vE
p: 13 students
r: 0 students
t: 13 students
v: 2 students
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 1 student

Section 30676
Exam code: midterm01SuN7
p: 21 students
r: 2 students
t: 19 students
v: 3 students
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 9549):
A sample "t" response (from student 6493):

Astronomy in-class activity: diurnal motion of circumpolar constellations

Astronomy 210 In-class activity 2 v.13.06.09, fall semester 2013 (spring semester 2014)
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Students find their assigned groups of three to four students, and work cooperatively on an in-class activity worksheet to use a starwheel ("planisphere") to determine the clockwise or counterclockwise diurnal motion of circumpolar constellations.

Astronomy midterm question: Orion rising at 2:00 AM?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, spring semester 2013
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

[20 points.] An astronomy question on an online discussion board(*) was asked and answered:

Kat: When will Orion start to come over the horizon? I watched it rise last year, and it's so beautiful. It's my favorite constellation.
Ryan: You just need to wake up around 2:00 AM to see it rise.

Discuss a specific plausible date (or range of dates) for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA to see the constellation Orion rising at 2:00 AM. Support your answer by clearly explaining how you used a starwheel to do this, along with any assumptions that you may have made.

*Adapted from: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20111005161811AA1OFlP.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p = 20/20:
  Correct. Describes steps taken to determine plausible date (or range of dates) for Orion rising at 2:00 AM. Typically places Orion at/above the horizon (in southeast), and then reading date that coincides with 2:00 AM, or uses trial-and-error of different dates at 2:00 AM and sees if Orion is at/above horizon (in southeast).
• r = 16/20:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors. Does not explicitly describe steps, but has plausible date (or range of dates) for Orion rising at 2:00 AM.
• t = 12/20:
  Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. May have instead found a plausible date (or range or dates) for Orion setting at 2:00 AM.
• v = 8/20:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. Response based on first placing Orion nearest 2:00 AM marking on starwheel (such that Orion is well under the horizon mask). Other arguments and times discussing lining Orion up with a time or date (rather than lining up the time with a date).
• x = 4/20:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit. Discussion not based on use of starwheel, but on some understanding of celestial sphere motions.
• y = 2/20:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z = 0/20:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 30674
Exam code: midterm01n4sT
p: 17 students
r: 1 student
t: 3 students
v: 9 students
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 1 student

Section 30676
Exam code: midterm01sAb1
p: 33 students
r: 1 student
t: 3 students
v: 9 students
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 9250):
A sample "p" response (from student 8178):
A sample "v" response (from student 0411):

Overheard: all the starwheel questions

2013-01-23_19-39-28_490
http://www.flickr.com/photos/waiferx/8409668035/
Originally uploaded by Waifer X

(Overheard after students practice all three possible types of starwheel (planisphere) questions in class.)

Instructor: "Hey, uh--do you know what Rage Comics are?" (Beat.) "But of course you do, you're college students." (Draws in Rage Comics' "All of the Things" character next to outline of possible starwheel questions.)

Astronomy midterm question: early evening spring Big Dipper

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, spring semester 2012
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

[20 points.] An astronomy question on an online discussion board(*) was asked and answered:

Kory: When [is the Big Dipper] visible [for an observer] in the [n]orthern [h]emisphere?
Tina L: [T]he [B]ig [D]ipper is highest in the early evening in the spring.

Discuss whether or not this answer is correct, and how you know this. Support your answer using a diagram showing the positions of the sun, moon, Earth, and an observer on Earth.

*Source: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Amy1qc2j.2ZPKhnXSiujkkojzKIX;_ylv=3?qid=20090217172556AANBQlF.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p = 20/20:
  Correct. Clearly explains how the Big Dipper cannot be highest in the early evening spring sky. Specifically chooses a plausible "spring" month and "early evening" time on the starwheel and finds position of the Big Dipper is not very near the zenith, or instead places the Big Dipper near zenith, and finds that a plausible "spring" month cannot line up with an "early evening" time. Or may stretch the boundaries of "spring" months or "early evening" times to find Big Dipper near zenith, making this plausible.
  
• r = 16/20:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors. May indicate when the Big Dipper is highest during a non-spring, non-early evening date/time instead.
  
• t = 12/20:
  Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. Argument based on the Big Dipper being a circumpolar constellation, such that would be visible during any night of the year, but does not address plausibility of "highest in the early evening in the spring" statement. Or vague description of "spring" months or "early evening" times, or specifies date/time such that the Big Dipper is actually at lowest point in sky.
  
• v = 8/20:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. Substantive discussion, but missing/problematic diagram.
  
• x = 4/20:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit. Uses starwheel, but reports
  inconsistent/incomplete date/time/position information.
  
• y = 2/20:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
  
• z = 0/20:
  Blank.
  

Grading distribution:
Section 30676
Exam code: midterm01s0Be
p: 16 students
r: 3 students
t: 12 students
v: 10 students
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 1 student

A sample "p" response (from student 1449):
Another sample "p" response (from student 1339):

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):

Astronomy quiz question: non-circumpolar and circumpolar constellations

Astronomy 10 Quiz 1, Fall Semester 2007
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Astronomy 10 learning goal Q1.3

[Version 1]

[3.0 points.] According to your starwheel, which one of the following choices is not a circumpolar constellation, as seen by an observer in San Luis Obsipo, CA?
(A) Camelopardalis.
(B) Cassiopeia.
(C) Cepheus.
(D) Lacerta.
(E) Ursa Minor.

Correct answer: (D)

Moving the dial on a starwheel (planisphere) shows that while the other constellations stay above the horizon, Lacerta dips below the horizon, thus making it a non-circumpolar constellation.

Student responses
Section 1073
(A) : 0 students
(B) : 0 students
(C) : 3 students
(D) : 42 students
(E) : 9 students

[Version 2]

[3.0 points.] According to your starwheel, which one of the following choices is a circumpolar constellation, as seen by an observer in San Luis Obsipo, CA?
(A) Auriga.
(B) Boötes.
(C) Camelopardalis.
(D) Gemini.
(E) Lacerta.

Correct answer: (C)

Moving the dial on a starwheel (planisphere) shows that while the other constellations eventually dip below the horizon, Camelopardalis always stays above the horizon, thus making it a circumpolar constellation.

Student responses
Section 0135
(A) : 1 student
(B) : 3 students
(C) : 30 students
(D) : 8 students
(E) : 0 students

Apparently students have the same rate of success in distinguishing non-circumpolar constellations from circumpolar constellations, and vice versa.