Astronomy

Past Topics:

Variable Stars

Galaxies

This year's topic is centered around quasars, AGNs (active galactic nucleus), galaxy clusters, and groups of galaxies.

This Year's DSOs (2010-2011)
-**Epsilon Aurigae is part of a special observing campaign through 2011 and will also be included in the DSO list for the 2011/2012 season.
 * Epsilon Aurigae**
 * AAVSO: Epsilon Aurigae
 * NGC 6240
 * 3C321
 * Cen A
 * Stephan's Quintet
 * MACSJ0717.5+3745
 * Bullet Cluster (1E 0657-56)
 * Perseus A (NGC 1275)
 * SN 2006gy
 * SN 1996cr
 * NGC 4603
 * NGC 7771
 * NGC 2623
 * JKCS041
 * Messier 77 (NGC 1068)
 * H2356-309

Other Information
Although these topics are the focus of this year's competition, there are other topics which you will need to be familiar with.

Stellar Life Cycle
The life cycle differs between stars depending on their mass. Normal-mass stars begin in stellar nurseries, and some matter condenses to create a protostar. This gains more mass until fusion begins, when it becomes a main-sequence star. Then, as it uses up its store of energy, it grows to be a giant star by the end of its lifetime. Once it uses its entire store, it collapses into a planetary nebula and later a white dwarf. Larger stars are similar, except they begin with more mass and grow to supergiants. At the end of their lifetime, they can explode in a massive explosion known as a supernova and/or collapse into a neutron star or a black dwarf.

The Competition
The competition usually consists of a test, which may contain stations or not. Each team member can bring a laptop or a binder to put their information in, so bring as much as you may need, as there is a wide variety that can be asked. The test usually has many questions regarding mathematical computations, so it is important to have a calculator and a formula sheet ready.

Useful Resources

 * American Association of Variable Star Observers
 * [[Media:Formula Sheet.pdf|Formula Sheet for Math Portion of Astronomy]] for the mathematical section
 * Reach for the Stars for some sample pictures
 * Scioly Test Exchange