Download Activity 1: The Scientific Method

Activity 1:
The Scientific Method
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Activity:
Astronomers know a great deal about other stars. Various
observations and calculations have produced data on many stars’ distances,
temperatures, luminosities (brightness), as well as the radial motion of these
stars. The goal of this activity is to use the scientific method to determine if
any of this data is correlated and to determine a model of the relationships.
1) Start by becoming aware of your own biases. Do you believe any of the
data is correlated? If so how?
Relationship
Example: radial motion of
the stars and temperature
Should state relationships
that you believe might exist
Reason
the hotter the star the more energy it will
contain that causes radial motion.
Should state reason why you believe
relationship exists
2) Do you believe that any of the data will not be correlated? If not why?
Relationship
Example: radial motion of
the stars and temperature
Should state relationships
that you believe will not
exist
Reason
There is no relationship between these
variables
Should state reason why you believe
relationship does not exist
3) After filling out the first section, use the scientific method to form a model
for the attached data on some bright, nearby stars. Determine which
variables are correlated. Graphs are provided to ease this process. Each
member of your group should produce at least one graph.
Questions:
1) Which of the different variables are correlated?
Temperature and Luminosity
2) Which variables are not correlated?
Temperature and Distance
Distance and Luminosity
3) Which variables are you unable to conclude if there is a correlation or not?
None
4) If possible make hypotheses concerning the following stars, by filling in
the following table. If you cannot make a hypothesis, please note this on
the table.
Star
Star G
Star H
Star I
Distance
(Ly)
35
N/A
6
Temperature
°C
~ 10,000
9000
7000
Luminosity
L Sun
50
30
5) Explain your reasoning.
The only variables correlated are Temperature and Luminosity. Use the
graph of the two variables to interpolate values of Temperature and
Luminosity.
Check your hypotheses with your instructor.
Extra Credit: If your hypotheses disagree with the actual values, explain
possible reasons for the discrepancy.
Sirius
Distance: 8.6 Light years
Temperature: 9950 C
Luminosity: 26 L Sun
α Centauri
Distance: 4.4 Light years
Temperature: 6075 C
Luminosity: 1.6 L Sun
Vega
Distance: 26 Light years
Temperature: 10273 C
Luminosity: 60 L Sun
Procyon
Distance: 11.4 Light years
Temperature: 6873 C
Luminosity: 7.4 L Sun
Star A
Distance: 30 Light years
Temperature: 9500 C
Luminosity: 17 L Sun
Altair
Distance: 17 Light years
Temperature: 8273 C
Luminosity: 10.5 L Sun
Star B
Distance: 22 Light years
Temperature: 7273 C
Luminosity: 9 L Sun
Star C
Distance: 9 Light years
Temperature: 9666 C
Luminosity: 20 L Sun
Formalhaut
Distance: 23 Light years
Temperature: 9315 C
Luminosity: 13 L Sun
Star D
Distance: 6 Light years
Temperature: 10050 C
Luminosity: 40 L Sun
Star E
Distance: 10 Light years
Temperature: 8875 C
Luminosity: 15 L Sun