March 21, 2005March 21, 2005Matter and Energy BMatter and Energy B

Ms. JanneyMs. JanneyWatkins Mill High SchoolWatkins Mill High School

9th grade “Matter and Energy”9th grade “Matter and Energy”and JPL “Solar System Ambassador”and JPL “Solar System Ambassador”

Today is “Sun-Earth Day”Today is “Sun-Earth Day” Spring Equinox, akaSpring Equinox, aka the “Vernal Equinox”the “Vernal Equinox” Sun rises exactly in Sun rises exactly in

the East and sets the East and sets exactly in the Westexactly in the West

In the sky for exactly In the sky for exactly 12 hours12 hours

Ancient ObservatoriesAncient Observatories What is an What is an

“observatory”?“observatory”? Why do we use Why do we use

observatories today?observatories today? Why would ancient Why would ancient

civilizations use civilizations use observatories?observatories?

ArcheoastronomyArcheoastronomyThe study of the astronomical practices, The study of the astronomical practices,

celestial lore, mythologies, religions and celestial lore, mythologies, religions and world-views of all ancient cultures world-views of all ancient cultures

After reading this definition, what are some After reading this definition, what are some things you already know about this topic?things you already know about this topic?

Ancient ObservatoriesAncient Observatories

Patterns in solar observationsPatterns in solar observationsWhat are some patterns that you have What are some patterns that you have

observed related to the Sun?observed related to the Sun?Why do these patterns exist?Why do these patterns exist?How do we use these patterns in our daily How do we use these patterns in our daily

lives today?lives today?How did ancient civilizations use these How did ancient civilizations use these

patterns in the past?patterns in the past?

Webcast: Ancient ObservatoriesWebcast: Ancient Observatories Before watching this webcast, answer Before watching this webcast, answer

these questions:these questions:1)1) What causes the seasons?What causes the seasons?2)2) When is the Earth closest to the Sun?When is the Earth closest to the Sun?3)3) Does the Sun always pass overhead in Does the Sun always pass overhead in

the same place? Does it follow the same the same place? Does it follow the same path across the sky?path across the sky?