STELLARIUM GORNERGRAT

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The PlanetCam now provides spectra. Images can be ordered for initial tests. Brighter stars are recommended.

The Crab Nebula

The students learn about the life and death of a star and estimate the age of the crab nebula.

Niveau: C

The crab nebula is the remnant of a supernova that happened around 1000 years ago and was observed in many parts of the world. In this activity, the students will be able to estimate the age of the crab nebula with simple geometrical assumptions and by comparing a current image of the crab nebula with an image from the 1950s. They not only engage with physics but also with the history of astronomy.

Requirements

Pedagogical objectives

The students...

  • know what the crab nebula (M1) is and know its development from a supernova.
  • know the concept and the evolution of a nebula.
  • are able to do exact measurements, arrange the results in a table and conclude information.
  • know basics of Chinese astronomy and the Messier catalogue.

Steps

1: Das Leben eines Sterns

Brief description

Die Schülerinnen und Schüler lernen die Entwicklung und das Ende eines Sterns kennen.

Difficulty

2

Duration

60 minutes

Social arrangement

Class Pairs Group

2: Wie alt ist der Krebsnebel?

Brief description

Die Lernenden bestimmen das Alter des Krebsnebels.

Difficulty

2

Duration

60 minutes

Social arrangement

Class Pairs Group

3: Historische Beobachtungen

Brief description

Die Lernenden entdecken historische Beobachtungen des Krebsnebels.

Difficulty

2

Duration

60 minutes

Social arrangement

Class Group

Worksheets

There are no teaching materials available for the English version of this activity.