Lab Manual - Radford University

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CHAPTER C. OBSERVATIONS 93 Name: Section: Date: C.4 Sunspot and Prominence Observation I. Introduction Sunspots are areas on the Sun which appear darker. We have known about sunspots for hundreds of years, since Galileo first studied them. Sunspots vary in size but are typically about the same diameter as the Earth. Sunspots are related to the Sun’s magnetic field. The magnetic field lines poke out in arcs from one sunspot to the next. When these magnetic field lines “break”, the hot gas flowing along these field lines is expelled away from the Sun. In extreme cases, these can become solar flares. Large solar flares can wreak havoc on the Earth including knocking out power transformers (and then whole power grids) and causing damage to satellites in orbit around the Earth. This project will be worth 3 lab grades (30 points) and will take a maximum of 6 hours (per person) to complete. Each observation only takes 10 - 15 minutes however. II. Reference • 21 st Century Astronomy, chap. 1, pp. 343 - 350 III. Materials Used • telescope • solar filter • hydrogen alpha filter IV. Observations In this lab, you will observe the Sun over a period of 2 months, making at least 15 observations of the Sun over this period. During each observation you will make a map of the Sun and plot the position of visible sunspots. In addition, you will sketch any visible prominences using a hydrogen alpha filter. You can look at the Sun directly through the telescope by utilizing a solar filter which blocks most of the light from entering the telescope. Observation of sunspots 1. Place the solar filter on the telescope. 2. Point the telescope at the Sun and insure that it fills the eyepiece. When looking through the eyepiece, cover the finder scope to prevent any accidental burning of the skin as the sunlight will be quite intense after passing through the finder scope. The easiest way to do this is to cover it with a small rag (found with the solar filter). 3. Carefully sketch the Sun, paying careful attention to detail in the position and shape of the sunspots that are visible, in the provided observation sheets Figs. VI. – VI.. 4. Repeat this observation at least 14 more times within a 2 month period.
94 CHAPTER C. OBSERVATIONS Observation of solar prominences 1. Remove the solar filter and replace it with the hydrogen alpha filter. Consult your instructor while doing this! 2. Adjust the position of the telescope until the edge of the Sun is in view. Pan around and look for any obvious prominences. Sketch the prominence, labeling it with the date and time. If time permits, wait 10 - 20 minutes and see if you can see any changes in the prominence. If so, note them on your observation (and resketch). Repeat this observation at least 14 more times within a 2 month period. V. Write-Up Your group must turn in all of your obsevations. Each group member must make at least 4 observations, but may need to make more if you have fewer than 4 members to complete the 15 observations. All observations must contain the date and time of observation as well as well as the name of the observer. Finally, your group must answer the questions below. VI. Questions 1. Do subsequent observations show movement of the sunspots across the surface of the Sun or do they appear to be stationary? If you notice movement, describe the direction and whether all of the sunspots appear to move at the same rate. 2. Did any of the sunspots you observed reappear on the opposite side? If so, determine a rough period for the Sun’s rotation from these observations. 3. Do the sunspots appear to be equally distributed over the surface of the Sun? If not, where do the sunspots appear more prevalent? 4. What is the typical temperature of gases in a prominence? How tall is a typical prominence? 5. At what wavelength does the hydrogen alpha filter work? What is the blackbody temperature of an object whose emission peaks at this wavelength?
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Lab Manual - Radford University

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