The Asteroid Belt is an important part of the solar system, and Near Earth Asteroids are a constant threat to our planet. Because of this, cataloging asteroids and tracking their positions is an extremely important task for researchers and government space agencies. Using real data collected by scientists, you’ll help them do just that!
You will use real astronomical image data to search for asteroids. In the process, you’ll also learn about other common objects that appear in these images and practice identifying them, too.
From the Assignment Resources below download and complete the Microsoft Word worksheet. If you don’t have Word, download the PDF, and write your responses to the questions in the online text box on the assignment submission page.
Submission status
No attempt
Grading status
Not graded
Grading criteria
Question #1
Student correctly answers question about types of asteroids – 4 points
Student correctly answers question about characteristics of asteroids – 6 points
Maximum score10
Lab Question #2 & #3
Student correctly answers question about steps to take with a crowded field image – 6 points
Student correctly answers question about Cosmic Rays – 8 points.
Maximum score14
Lab Question #4 & #5
Student correctly answers question about missing data – 6 point
Student correctly answers question about stellar x-shaped spikes and galaxies – 6 points
Maximum score12
Lab Question #6 & #7
Student correctly answers question about CCD defect – 6 points
Student correctly answers question about gravitational lenses – 6 points
Maximum score12
Lab Question #8, #9 & #10
Student correctly answers question about satellite trails – 6 points
Student correctly answers question about collisional rings – 8 points
Student correctly answers question about dwarf galaxy – 6 points
Maximum score20
Lab Question #11 – Classifying
Student classified 50 images and listed the number of each phenomenon they found: Asteroid trails, Cosmic Rays, Missing Data, Stellar X-shape Spikes, Collisional Rings, CCD Defects, Gravitational Lenses, and Satellite Trails.
Maximum score32
