Stars | Project 2 - Tracking the Motion of the Planets: Can a planet be followed?
Project 2
Tracking the Motion of the Planets: Can a planet be followed?
Purpose
Planets sometimes reflect light from the Sun, which makes them shine like stars. But unlike the stationary stars, Earth and the other planets move through the sky as they orbit the Sun. As the other planets orbit the Sun, Earth continues through its orbit. The combination of these movements can make the apparent path of the planets in Earth's sky resemble an s-shaped pattern. In this project, you will examine this phenomenon.
Level of Difficulty
Moderate. (You need to be familiar with the star positions.)
Materials Needed
- a star map for your area and time of the year
- binoculars or telescope (optional)
Approximate Budget
$2 for a star map. (Consult local papers or magazines for current monthly maps.)
Timetable
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