Saturday, March 3, 2012

Identifying Star Patterns

Identifying Star Patterns

The factors that should consider when observing night sky

  • The date should near a full moon Poya day.
  • Be aware of poisonous animals.
  • get ready for the sudden climatic changes.

The Greek alphabet


























The Greek alphabet is used to denote star patterns.
The main letters are : Alpha - brightest star
Beta - second brightest star
Gamma - Third brightest star

Orion















There are seven stars in this constellation.This constellation can be seen in February and March at 8:00 p.m.

Gemini















Gemini constellation is like twins. There are two main stars in that constellation.That help to identify the head region of the Gemini constellation. The brightest star in that constellation is 'Caster' and the second brightest star in the head region is 'Pollux'.


Canis major














This constellation is similar to a dog.the total number of stars in that constellation is 8. One brightest star,three second brightest stars and 4 third brightest stars can be seen in that constellation.

Taurus








Seven stars can be seen in this constellation.The brightest star in this constellation is 'Alphacentori'. This constellation is similar to head of an ox and it is like a 'V' shape. Near to the Taurus constellation there are group of stars called "Pleiades".

Ursa major








This constellation is similar to a structure of a bear.There are 5 second brightest stars and 2 third brightest stars.This constellation can be seen in the north region.

Ursa minor







There are seven stars in this constellation.The second brightest star in the tail region is known as 'Polaris'.

Leo








There are nine stars in this constellation.one brightest star,two second brightest stars and six third brightest stars.

Southern Cross









There are four stars.two brightest stars,one second brightest star and one third brightest star. In southern cross constellation there is a star close to earth. It is "Proxima Centory'.

Identifying Star Patterns Using Star Map


Star map is a map hep us to observe star patterns.When using a star map you have to see by the bottom scale.

Zodiac


The Sri Lankan's use some constellations as "Lagna". They are:
Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo ,Virgo , Libra , Scorpius , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Auarius , Pisces .

Aries





Taurus






Gemini




Cancer





Leo





Virgo






Libra






Scorpius






Sagittarius





Capricorn






Aquarius





Pisces






Uses of Constellations

  • To find out directions.
  • To find out Lagna.(The lagna can be obtained by observing the star pattern in the east horizon according to the birth time.)
  • For making horoscope.
  • To study astronomy.
  • To find out the comets.
  • To find out the position of the planet according to the star pattern.

Existence of Stars and Galaxy

Some Galaxies in the universe are,
  • Andromeda
  • M81
  • Milky Way
  • Magellan

    milky way










                     Our solar system is belongs to the Galaxy "Milky Way". It is a spiral galaxy. It composed of billions of stars and the median of the galaxy is thicker than the edges. In addition to the spherical galaxies there are elliptical and irregular galaxies.

    Stars


    Birth of a star


    Life span of a star is millions and billions of years. The place where a star is begin is known as "Nebula". A star begins its life by the condensation of a molecular cloud due to a gravitational collapse.A molecular cloud is,a large cloud containing dust, and gasses such hydrogen and helium. Such a cloud is many light years in length and breadth. Due to gravitational force, this cloud of dust and gasses shrinks gradually and subject to rotate at high speed generating a deal of heat and pressure. When the temperature reaches about 15000K the center of the dark cloud appears to shine. Such place is called a "Protostar".
    protostar

    As the protostar shrinks further it's temperature and pressure rise up more and more, and speed of rotation too increases. The two areas as the core and the disk can be identified. Astronomers are of the opinion that real stars are formed from the inner core, while planets are formed from the outer disk. The planets revolve round the respective star.
    Around temperature of about 'Nuclear fusion' starts, where small atoms colect and form large atoms.Here there is formation of helium atoms combining hydrogen atoms .
    During the action of nuclear fusion it generates an enormous amount of energy, as well as pressure. the large amount of energy cause the star to shine brilliantly. This is the way of forming a "real star" Our sun is a such star. "Vega Sirius", is another star at that age.
    Orion Nebula

    The place where a star is born is called "Nebula".There is a nebula that can be observed with our naked eye in the sword of the famous Orion or Warrior constellation.It is called great "Orion Nebula ".

    Saturday, February 11, 2012

    Let Us Observe The Environment Scientifically


         

    Measuring Cylinder













    Function :- To measure volume of any liquid.

    Beaker














    Function:- Making solutions, Heat liquids, To keep liquids etc.

    Pipette















    Function:- To measure volume of any liquid.
    There are two types of pipettes. One is calibrated pipette,other one is bulb pipette.

    Burette



















    Function:- To measure and get accurate volume of any liquid.

    Flasks

    Conical Flask














    Function:- To Grow Microbial cultures,To make solutions etc.

    Flat bottom flask


















    Function:- For making solutions .To produce gasses etc.

    Rounded bottom flask


















    Function:- For production of gasses ,To make solutions etc.

    Volumetric Flasks













    Function:- To prepare solutions with definite concentration.

    Instruments use to measure weights

    Chemical Balance














    Function:- To measure weights of chemicals.
    How to use:- Keep the balance in a flat surface before taking measurements.

    Spring balance
















    Function :- To measure weights.
    How to use:- Before taking measurements the balance should be in a vertical position.

    Triple beam balance













    Function:- Measure the weights of chemicals.
    How to use:- Before taking measurements adjust the indicator to zero mark.

    Instruments use to measure Quantities related to electricity

    Ammeter
















    Function:- To measure the electric current.
    How to use:- Connect by the serial way to measure electric current.

    Voltmeter
















    Function:- To measure the voltage.
    How to use:- Connect by the parallel way to measure voltage.

    Multimeter















    Function:- To get the measurements of Voltage,Electric current and also the resistance at once.

    Other Lab Equipments

    Boiling tube













    function:- For boiling purposes.
    Special features:- Thicker than the test tube,made by 'borocilicane '

    Test tube


















    Function:- To make solutions.

    Ignition Tube










    Function:- To heat chemicals more than 100oc.

    Test tube holders
















    Function:- To hold test tubes.

    Funnel


















    Function:- To transfer liquids from one place to another.

    Thistle funnel












    Function:- To pour liquids to accurate position.

    Watch glass














    Function:- To place chemicals.


    Spirit Lamp










    Function:- For boiling purposes.

    Tripod and wire-mesh

















    Function:- To hold equipments while heating.

    Crucible tongs











    Function:- To hold substances and ignition tubes while heating.

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