Helen E. Martin, the author of this article, is a retired National Board Certified Teacher who has been researching Sir Isaac Newton's unpublished manuscripts for over three decades. While researching the work of Newton, a teacher she was mentoring asked for some hands-on activities to study planetary motion. The description of the activity…

Presents a technique for obtaining a rough measure of the brightness among different stars. Materials needed include a standard 35-mm camera, a plastic ruler, and a photo enlarger. Although a telescope can be used, it is not essential. (JN)

Describes a technique utilizing analyses of photographs to study planetary motion. (CP)

Described is an experiment that allows students to determine the distance to the moon by triangulation. Included is a description of parallax methods and photographic techniques. (CS)

In 2001, the "All Sky Camera Network" came to life as an outreach program to connect the Denver Museum of Nature and Science (DMNS) exhibit "Space Odyssey" with Colorado schools. The network is comprised of cameras placed strategically at schools throughout Colorado to capture fireballs--rare events that produce meteorites.…

Equipment and procedures for simple astrophotography are discussed. Sample photographs are provided. Suggested are several uses of the slides and the techniques for teaching astronomy. (CW)

Provides background information on the equipment and knowledge necessary to do an astronomy activity on the earth's rotation. Details an activity in which students can measure the rotation of the earth using a camera and the stars. (CW)

Describes the use of a 35-millimeter camera with color slide film to produce photographs of constellations, star trails, bright comets, aurorae, and meteor showers. Discusses film speed, lenses, f-stop settings, exposure times, and other items related to astrophotographic technique; provides ideas for use of slides in the classroom. (JM)