Janice VanCleave's A+ Projects in Astronomy: Winning Experiments for Science Fairs and Extra Credit

Introduction.

Part I: Measurements.

1. Apparent Diameter: Observed Diameter of Celestial Bodies.

2. Angular Separation: Angular Distance between Celestial Bodies.

3. Altitude: Vertical Coordinate.

4. Azimuth: Horizontal Coordinate.

Part II: Optical Instruments.

5. Apertures: The Gathering of Light.

6. Diffraction: The Spreading of Light.

Part III: The Sun.

7. Sunspots: Cooler Surface Regions.

8. True Sun: How the Sun Appears to Move.

9. Seasons: Four Times of the Year.

Part IV: The Planets.

10. Solar System Scale: Miniature Model.

11. Barycenter: The Balancing Point.

12. Orbital Eccentricity: How Circular a Celestial Body's Path Is.

13. Planetary Phenomena: Planetary Movement Relative to Earth.

14. Orbital Period: Time of Revolution.

15. Spheroids: Bulging Bodies.

16. Rotation: The Spinning of Celestial Bodies.

17. Phases of Venus: Changes in Shape and Size.

Part V: Moons.

18. Moon Phase: The Moon's Visible Lighted Surface.

19. Eclipses: Shadows of Earth and the Moon.

20. Craters, Maria, and Highlands: The Moon's Surface Features.

21. Galilean Satellites: Jupiter's Largest Moons.

Part VI: Stars.

22. Celestial Sphere: Sky Globe.

23. Zodiac Band: Background for the Ecliptic.

24. Circumpolar: Stars above the Horizon.

25. Star Clock: Star Positions Indicate Time.

26. Star Systems: Multiple Stars.

27. Apparent Magnitude: Apparent Star Brightness.

28. Parallax: Apparent Shift of an Object.

Part VII: Meteors and Artificial Satellites.

29. Meteors: Streaks of Light in the Sky .

30. Artificial Satellites: Man-made Orbiters.

Appendix 1: Random Error of Measurement.

Appendix 2: Relative Error: Percentage Error.

Appendix 3: Planet Facts and Figures.

Appendix 4: Tangent Table.

Appendix 5: Sources of Scientific Supplies.

Glossary.

Index.