Useful Practical & Observational Skills for Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad [Short Note III]

Topic I: Constellations

Constellations are integral part of the Astronomy Olympiad. In modern astronomy, a constellation is an internationally defined area (by International Astronomical Union) of the celestial sphere. These areas are grouped around patterns that represent the shapes that give the name to the constellations. When astronomers say an object is "in" a given constellation, they mean it is within the boundaries of one of these defined areas of sky, as the patterns may have several variants in its representation.

Here is the compiled book of IAU constellations that I made during my preparation for Astronomy Olympiad. 

IAU Constellations by ScienceOlympiadBlog

Topic II: Messier Objects

The Messier objects are a set of astronomical objects first listed by French astronomer Charles Messier in 1771. The Messier catalogue comprises nearly all the most spectacular examples of the five types of deep sky object – diffuse nebulae, planetary nebulae, open clusters, globular clusters and galaxies. For astronomy olympiad, it will be worthwhile to learn positions of 40 easier messier objects. 

Here is the complete list of Messier Objects.

Messier Objects by ScienceOlympiadBlog

Topic III: Stargazing Basics

Here, I'm sharing some videos which will be useful to get oriented with stargazing - genuinely helpful for the Observational Round of Astronomy Olympiad.

Stargazing Basics 1 : Get Oriented in the Night Sky

Stargazing Basics 2 : Understanding Star Magnitude in Astronomy

Stargazing Basics 3 : Measure Distance in Sky

Topic IV: Telescope Basics & Equatorial Mount

Attached are some videos which will be useful to get oriented with Telescopes.

Telescope Basics 1 : Telescope Types

Telescope Basics 2 : Magnification for a Telescope

Telescope Basics 3 : Eyepiece

Telescope Basics 4 : Apparent field of View


Telescope Basics 5 : Barlow Lenses

Telescope Basics 6 : Telescope Finders, Tyoes, and Alignment
 

Equatorial Mount

An equatorial mount is a mount for instruments that follows the rotation of the sky (celestial sphere) by having one rotational axis parallel to the Earth's axis of rotation. This type of mount is used for astronomical telescopes and cameras. The advantage of an equatorial mount lies in its ability to allow the instrument attached to it to stay fixed on any object in the sky that has a diurnal motion by driving one axis at a constant speed. Such an arrangement is called a sidereal drive.

How to Align an Equatorial Mount

How to Use an Equatorial Mount

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