The Search for Dark Skies

Summary

In this activity students will learn about the Las Cumbres Observatory and where the telescopes are located, leading them to consider the impact of the environment on our view of the stars.

Goals

Learn the factors that influence observing conditions.

Planning

Materials

Computer
Projector
Speakers
Internet access
Globe
x8 stickers
SEROL presentation part 2 (ppt)

You can also download this activity as a Word document of PDF:

Instructions

Play the Youtube video Serol’s Cosmic Adventures: The Hunt for Dark Skies.

2. Provide a brief introduction to the Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) using the SEROL presentation Slide 3. Explain that LCO host telescopes all over the globe in the locations marked on the map.

3. Can the students name any of the countries in which LCO observatories are located? Invite them to come up and locate a country on a globe or Earth ball, using stickers to mark the position.

4. Ask the class why LCO have put their telescopes in these locations:

Having telescopes across the globe, in various time zones, means there is always a telescope available to observe the night sky.
Having telescopes in both hemispheres allows us to view the entire night sky.
For ideal observing conditions: arid regions with clear skies, remote locations with minimal light pollution, high altitude to minimise atmospheric effects such as scattering of light.

5. Show the class some pictures of the LCO observatories (slide 4-6), highlight the features discussed. (The lack of buildings in the landscape surrounding the observatories, high altitude, clear skies etc.).

Next Steps

Follow on this activity with Why do telescopes come in different sizes?

Activity