ASTRONOMY I  ESSAY 2008

I have assumed that you have completed your Library tutorial, that you know how to use the catalogue, and have some ability to use electronic databases.

Encyclopaedias are often a good starting point for an essay.

You may find the following encyclopaedias useful:
Encyclopedia of Astronomy and Astrophysics (Ref. 520.3 M974e)
Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Physics (Ref.530.3 E561)
McGraw-Hill encyclopedia of science and technology (Ref.. 503 M14.7).
Encyclopedia of Physics. 2nd.ed. (Ref. 530.03 E56.2)
Encyclopedia of physical science and technology (Ref.. 503 M613e).

When using encyclopaedias don't forget the yearbooks and supplements

General dictionaries (Ref 423) and subject dictionaries can supply definitions of terms, and explain unfamiliar terms.
 

                     Click on an essay title to find the appropriate help sheet

a. The Shapley-Curtis debate in 1920.  This was a famous debate about the size and nature of the Universe and the place of the Milky Way within that Universe.  Discuss the debate, the participants, and the extent of astronomical knowledge in 1920.  While there was a winner of the debate, both sides made claims that had very shaky evidence.  Critically examine the arguments of both sides, and discuss which of the arguments have stood the test of time.

b. The Cosmic Distance Ladder. How do astronomers measure distances in the Universe? Describe the various methods used by astronomers to gauge distances, from those in the Solar System to the dimensions of the visible Universe. Try to stress the "ladder" nature of these techniques - how verification of a distance measurement technique depends on other distance techniques on a smaller scale.

c. The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO).  This satellite has been viewing the Sun for 12 years using a large suite of different instruments, each dedicated to a different aspect of the Sun’s nature and dynamics.  Briefly describe the satellite and its instruments.  Choose one or two of the satellite’s more important discoveries and describe how they have helped us better understand the workings of the Sun. 

d. Discuss the contributions of women astronomers. You may choose to concentrate on one or two particular women, or approach the topic more broadly. Be sure to clearly describe the astronomical work done by the women, as well as the relevant biographical details. Describe any particular difficulties faced by the women in making their contributions in what was a male-dominated area of science. Do you think that astronomy today offers equal opportunities for all?

e. The History and Future of the Optical Telescope.   From humble beginnings at the time of Galileo, to giant telescopes on Earth and in space, there have been many advances in the design and sensitivity of optical telescopes.  Today, techniques exist for correcting the blurring effects of the atmosphere, and telescopes do more than image astronomical objects.  For example, high precision spectroscopy is done to measure elemental abundances, wobbles of stars due to planets etc.  This is a huge subject – you may decide to do a broad survey of the topic, or concentrate on a particular area.