What’s that Galaxy? July 20, 2007
Posted by astroed in Astronomy, Education.trackback
Modern astronomy is increasingly characterised by large (huge) data sets. Perhaps the best readily accessible example of this has been the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. Using a dedicated 2.5 m telescope at Apache Point, New Mexico in the US the project is producing a 3-dimensional map of about one-quarter of the sky. The database covers over a million objects, primarily galaxies and quasars.
Embedded in the design of the survey from the outset has been a purpose-designed educational site and interface, SkyServer to the science database. It has a wealth of information on astronomy that fits in perfectly with many school science syllabi. The emphasis is very much on students doing their own guided or independent projects though this is also well-supported by extensive background material on topics such as spectroscopy, types of objects, the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram and much more. Projects are grouped in basic, advanced and challenge categories. Specific guidance for teachers is also available.
The data used in all the activities and projects is the original data that is also available for use by professional researchers. The only key difference is that the interface is more accessible and simplified for student use. Students in several schools overseas have already used SkyServer to make original discoveries. The potential for class and independent use is immense.
Just over a week ago a new engaging tool using the Sloan data was released on a new website. Galaxy Zoo presents users with galaxy images from the Sloan data and asks them to try and classify them. Users register and after a short set of training and trial images they are granted access to the database. One aim of the project is harness the strength of numbers in having thousands of internet uses attempt visual classification of galaxies. Given that there are about one million galaxies in the data set they need a lot of users! A discussion forum should be on the site soon. Users can also flag specific objects for the project supervisors.
Where Galaxy Zoo wins is that it has a very simple interface, it is addictive and you can do as few or as many galaxies in a session as you like. Another strength from an educational perspective is that some (many?) of the galaxy images appear somewhat fuzzy, that is they lack resolution so it can be difficult t definitively classify them. This provides a valuable opportunity on a class or group setting to initiate discussion. It readily shows that dealing with real data poses problems and issues that need to be discussed. Rather than just talking about galaxies in a general sense, classes can now tackle the classification problem using real, new data and add to a worthwhile project.
Give a try! Share your ideas on how to use this great new resource.
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