Download Hubble Deep Field Academy

_____ / 20 Points
Name:__________________________ Period: ____
Website:
http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/resources/explorations/hdf/
or Google: Hubble Deep Field Academy
Activity 1: Stellar Statistician
Based on our PowerPoint on the Hubble telescope, what is a method we can use to count a very large amount of
objects?
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Click on “Stellar Statistician”
“One of the first questions to be asked”
1. Read the paragraphs
2. Click on the “Hubble deep field” picture in the upper right
What was your estimate for the number of objects in the HDF?:
3. Click on the arrow in the lower right.
“Pick a camera, any camera”
1. Read paragraphs
Which camera did you choose? _______
“Camera _____”
Which section did you choose? ____________________________________________________________
“Section ____ of Camera ____”
1. Carefully count the objects seen.
How many objects did you count? _______ Number of Objects in scientific notation: ___________________
2. Click on the arrow in the lower right.
“Camera ___: Estimating the number of objects in the camera’s image.”
_____ x _____ = ___________________
Number of Objects in scientific notation: ___________________
1. Why did you multiply your objects by 12?________________________________________________________
2. Click on the arrow in the lower right.
“HDF: Estimating the number of objects in the entire Hubble Deep Field Image”
_____ x _____ = ___________________
Number of Objects in scientific notation: ___________________
1. Why did you multiply your objects by 3?_________________________________________________________
2. Click on the arrow in the lower right.
“The Universe: Estimating the number of objects in the entire universe”
____________ x ___________ = __________________ write the number in scientific notation: ___________________
1. Why did you multiply by 30 million?____________________________________________________________
2. How similar or different is your estimate when compared with the astronomers’ estimate? Why?
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Activity #2: Cosmic Classifier
1. Click on Cosmic Classifier
“Categorizing: an important scientific skill”
Which image did you choose: ______
“Classifying objects by color and shape”
(spiral)
Irregular
Blue
White
Yellow
Red
“Compare Astronomer’s classification chart with yours”
List three objects on which you and the astronomers agreed.
Use their numbers to identify them. # _____________
# ______________
# ______________
List three objects on which you and the astronomers disagreed.
Use their numbers to identify them. # _____________
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# ______________
If applicable, give two reasons why you think you and the astronomers disagreed.
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“Studying the Astronomer’s Classification of HDF Objects”
In the astronomers’ chart, which groups contain at least five objects?
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Choose any one group (shape) and describe the characteristics of its members.
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What do you think the objects in your group (shape) are? Give a reason to support your hypothesis.
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“Compare Astronomer’s Findings with Your Own”
1. Click on each object and read the description of it.
Name and describe each object:
Shape
Name
Description of object
Irregular
Activity #3: Estimating Distances
Click on “Distance Wizard”.
Estimating Distances – read the directions on estimating distance to the six labeled objects.
1. Explain why you arranged the objects as you did. What trait(s) did you use to make your decision?
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Distance: The reality check.
2. Explain how the object labeled “F” can be smaller, yet closer than the object labeled “C”.
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Comparing results.
3. How is your explanation regarding estimating distances in space similar to the astronomers’ explanation?
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4. How is your explanation regarding estimating distances in space different from the astronomers’ explanation?
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5. If we were to visit these six objects (F,D,C,A,E,B), in what order would you recommend we visit them? Justify your
recommendation.
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Activity #4: Identify a Mystery Object
This activity is designed to be a review of Activities 1-3
Click on “Deep Field Observer.”
Click on these
words for
help!
Read the two paragraphs under Final Task.
Answer the questions below instead of the questions on the website. Click on the diagram of a galaxy in the upper right
hand corner to help you answer the questions.
1. What is the difference between a galaxy and a star?
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2. What does the color of a galaxy indicate?
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3. What does the shape of a galaxy indicate?
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4. Why isn't size alone useful in determining a galaxy's distance from Earth?
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5. Explain how a spiral galaxy can look like
this or like this
.
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6. Why is it better to observe the universe from space than from Earth's surface?
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7. Describe the process used by astronomers to estimate the number of galaxies in the universe. Be sure to explain
what mathematical operations must be performed.
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Look at the online picture of the object in the Hubble Deep Field considered by astronomers to be an "oddball." Using
your knowledge of galaxies, make some predictions about this object.
1. What does the color of this object tell you?
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2. What does the shape of this object tell you?
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3. What do you think this object is? Give justification for your answer.
Read the paragraph on the section titled “Astronomers’ Conclusions” and answer the two questions below.
4. What type of galaxy do astronomers classify the “oddball”?
5. What are two possible explanations astronomers have to explain the “oddball” object?