Astronomy 150 | Spring 2012

Computer Lab 2: Exploring the Galaxy Zoo

Purpose

Students will conduct a structured series of scientific inquiries about the nature of observed galaxies using the Internet sites prescribed, particularly the Sloan Digital Sky Survey via the original Galaxy Zoo [http://zoo1.galaxyzoo.org]

Goals

• You should be able to understand that the countless galaxies of stars spread throughout the Universe have characteristics that can be observed and classified.
• You will collect data on galaxy morphologies and make conclusions about the natures of observed galaxies based on the data collected.
• You will experience how volunteers, or citizen scientists, can be part of a solution for analyzing large astronomy datasets such as the Sloan Digital Sky Survey.

Usage: First time users of the online lab should read the Instructions page.

Main Content:

Worksheet

• GalaxyZooWorksheet.pdf

Background Materials

• Galaxy Zoo Lab Background: Galaxies, Types, and Classification

Galaxy Zoo Website

• Main Page: http://zoo1.galaxyzoo.org

Lab Groups: You may work on this lab in groups of up to 3 people. A single lab report can be turned in for the group (with all group member names and NetIDs, of course).

Due Date: The completed Lab Worksheet below is due in class Friday, April 20.

Help Sessions: Help sessions will be conducted on April 19 from 5-7pm in the Oregon ICS Lab.