Image courtesy of NASA, the Comet is a bonus, click on image for more info
(Credit: Alessandro Dimai at the Col Druscie Observatory)
The 433rd has been working on the astronomer badge. The (paraphrased) requirements include:(Credit: Alessandro Dimai at the Col Druscie Observatory)
- Showing how to use the pointer stars (Merak and Dubhe) of the Big Dipper to find the Polaris (the North Star - the comet in the photo shows the way).
- Using a star chart and finding 5 constellations, see Planispheres.
- Learning and relating star lore (classical or aboriginal), see the Wolf Moon for one example.
- Knowing and describing 3 (astronomical) features of the sky, such as comets, asteroids, planetary rings, strange quasi-moons, or other news.
- Knowing about the phases of the moon and tides, see the Tides Game.
Earning an astronomer badge automatically counts for Black Star requirement A11 (finding the north star and 3 constellations).
Requirement 1 is paramount as it can be used to find direction!
Some easy constellations to find (in the northern hemisphere) include:
- Circumpolar (stars that are always up - click the link for a nice animation)
- Ursa Major (the big dipper)
- Ursa Minor (the little dipper)
- Cassiopeia
- Winter Group (look due south around 8pm Feb 10th)
Update: Above I noted that Cubs can double dip on requirements for the Black Star. It turns out they can actually triple dip as the Winter Cubbing badge has a requirement to find the North Star and three night sjy objects!
Update: If you are a Cub leader outside if Canada, please also read The Great Astronomers Badge Swap. And please click on the BadgeSwap label below to see other related badges and entries.
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