Overview
Students will understand how data from radio telescopes are used to create images of celestial objects. They will further explore ways to enhance visual representations of the data by including sound using Afterglow Access sonification software tool.
NGSS Standards
HS-PS4.A Wave Properties Information can be digitized (e.g., a picture stored as the values of an array of pixels); in this form, it can be stored reliably in computer memory and sent over long distances as a series of wave pulses. (HS-PS4-2),(HS-PS4-5)
HS-PS4.C Information Technologies and Instrumentation. Multiple technologies based on the understanding of waves and their interactions with matter are part of everyday experiences in the modern world and in scientific research. They are essential tools for producing, transmitting, and capturing signals and for storing and interpreting the information contained in them.
HS-PS4.B Electromagnetic Radiation Electromagnetic radiation (e.g., radio, microwaves, light) can be modeled as a wave of changing electric and magnetic fields or as particles called photons. The wave model is useful for explaining many features of electromagnetic radiation, and the particle model explains other features. (HS-PS4-3) When light or longer wavelength electromagnetic radiation is absorbed in matter, it is generally converted into thermal energy (heat). Shorter wavelength electromagnetic radiation (ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays) can ionize atoms and cause damage to living cells. (HS-PS4-4)
Materials
- Student computers
- Headphones
- UV light
- Remote control
- Cellphone with camera]
- Colored pencils
- Markers
- Modeling clay
Keywords
- Radio waves
- Afterglow
- Radio astronomy