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This task requires at least two separate observations of the same planet. These observations must be separated by several weeks. If you did not make an observation of the planets in the first few weeks of the semester it will be very difficult to note any differences between your observations. The planets that you will be able to observe in the evening differ from month to month. Your instructor can tell you which planets are up in the sky right now, or you can find out on your own by going to this
link.
What you are looking for is evidence that the planet has moved along its orbit against the relatively fixed backdrop of distant stars. For your first observation you must note (very carefully) the position of the planet with respect to stars (don't mistake its moons for stars) that appear in the same telescope view. Since the planets are constantly moving in their orbits around the Sun you may be able to see the planet in a different position (relative to those same stars) when you view it again several weeks later.
Guiding questions:
- Once you have made your two observations compare the sketches.
- Can you see a difference?
- How did the planet move with respect to the line upon which its moons or rings
(if present and visible) lie?
- Is this direction of motion what you expect?
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