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Reach for the Stars Test Exchange 2017
Past Threads: 2009, 2012, 2013, 2016
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How do you tell the difference between the Ring Nebula and the Helix Nebula just by looking at them?

I imagine the Helix Nebula as an eye, and it's more of a combination of pink and red around the outside, and the Ring Nebula is more of a combination of orange and red around the outside.

Thanks!

Does anyone know an efficient way to memorize DSOs and constellations? I've tried flashcards and looking at a star chart, but neither worked. I'm not able to identify constellations and their major stars and DSOs by looking at them. Another problem is that in the practice tests I've seen, the constellation lines aren't connected together, making it even harder for me. Sorry if this is a stupid question, I'm fairly new to Science Olympiad. Any help is appreciated

Ktalreja05 wrote:Does anyone know an efficient way to memorize DSOs and constellations? I've tried flashcards and looking at a star chart, but neither worked. I'm not able to identify constellations and their major stars and DSOs by looking at them. Another problem is that in the practice tests I've seen, the constellation lines aren't connected together, making it even harder for me. Sorry if this is a stupid question, I'm fairly new to Science Olympiad. Any help is appreciated

You could try anki/quizlet (it's what I use for Astronomy) for memorizing pictures. Alternatively, you could just put those pictures on your notes so you don't even have to memorize them

For me, memorizing constellations and stars was always a matter of seeing patterns. There are a couple constellations that are pretty easy to find (Orion, Ursa Major, Cassiopeia), so I would use these as benchmarks. Then, I would find other constellations using these benchmarks. For example, say we start with Orion. If you follow the belt of Orion, and go up and to the right, you end up at the Hyades, which is the main component of Taurus. Then you can take the upper horn of this and follow it to Auriga, which is next to Gemini and Perseus, etc etc.

And then in terms of stars, it's a matter of associating certain stars with certain constellations. If it would help, you can make flashcards with constellations on one side and stars on the other (Bootes;Arcturus, Scorpio;Antares, etc).

I also use Quizlet.
As for recognizing constellations not connected, don't worry about that part yet. It comes with more practice. Once you get them memorized with the lines, it's much easier.

I am starting a class for astronomy at a school in Minnesota. Can anyone send any information on Reach for the Stars. It would be very helpful. Can you send it to TeacherNateHouston@gmail.com?

can we use a calculator in the competition