AS101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Celestial Equator, Celestial Pole, March Equinox
Document Summary
Chapter 2: guide to the sky: patterns and cycles. Constellations one of the stellar patterns identified by name, usually of mythological gods, people, animals, or objects. Asterism a named grouping of stars that is not one of the recognized constellations. Magnitude scale the astronomical brightness scale; the larger the number, the fainter the star. Apparent visual magnitude a measure of the brightness of a star as seen by human eyes on. Flux a measure of the flow of energy out of a surface; usually applied to light. Celestial sphere an imaginary sphere of very large radius surrounding earth to which the planets, stars, sun, and moon seem to be attached. Scientific model a concept that helps you think about some aspect of nature without necessarily being true. Precession the slow change in orientation of the earth"s axis of rotation. Zenith marks the top of the sky above your head. Nadir marks the bottom of the sky directly under your feet.
