ARCturus

In the modern times, the teaching has become more and more computer-based. Therefore it is only natural to make use of the computer and the Internet when illustrating and modelling the celestial phenomena. On the Internet, there are plenty of ready-made video clips which show graphically how the celestial bodies move and what kinds of real and imaginary situations there can be. Computers can be used for making measurements, in mathematical tasks and processing, for instance, own photos of the stars. All this material can be published on the website of the school in an archive for constant use in all subjects.

 

Aim: Learn to use the computer in modelling the celestial phenomena, processing the results and illustrative material as well as designing and developing models.

 

Motions: In a video showing how the planets move in our Solar system, the viewer gets a clear vision of the change in the rotation speed when the distance between the planet on its orbit and the Sun increases and decreases. Videos clarify in many ways the mutual motions of the Earth and the Moon with its phases. The 3-dimensional impression and shadows deepen the effect. Using animation makes the Solar system very real and venturing there an exciting experience.

Special occasions: The human knowledge is still quite vague as to the real circumstances of the celestial objects. But in the light of what we know, there is no reason why we should not use our imagination to try and construct the circumstances of those objects. For instance, the essence of a black hole and the effect it has to an object that comes near it has been illustrated very well by using animation. Presenting the collision of the great galaxies as a video animation is a crucial illustration of an event, which is otherwise very difficult to perceive. Animation is also very helpful in illustrating a huge meteor’s collision with our planet and the destruction caused by it.

Materials: There are computer programmes, with the help of which - provided the initial values and preconditions are set out – it is possible to draw orbits for the celestial bodies around their core stars or towards the outer space. In order to create an impression of the whole entity, the orbits of the colliding components can be presented as a collage. In addition to this, there are programmes that do long-term measurements and observation of the deep sky on a continuous basis. The computer can be programmed to do these kinds of measurements by itself through day and night. Depending on the programme, the result may either be a ready-made illustrative photo material or some other listed data for further use.

Pondering: What is the validity of the model illustrating imaginary situations? It is also worthwhile to discuss the role these imaginary innovations possibly had in the realization of the space data.

Sources: Many kinds of source materials are apt in modelling the celestial phenomena. The current information available in the books and on the Internet is the most important and reliable. It is the basis on which the models can be planned and prepared. The illustrating video animations support imagination and model construction. They help the explorer to understand the phenomenon. The ready-made programmes that enable surfing in space give a feeling of moving limitlessly from one spatial object to another.

Hints: When using programmes which are based on imagination and animations, there is a reason to emphasize to the students a critical attitude towards the information and photos gained. The discussions can cut misunderstandings or excessively productive imagination.

 

Keywords: Computational modelling, plotting programme, animation video, graphic presentation, space research, search for extraterrestrial intelligence

 

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