ASTRONOMY
A new version of the merit badge pamphlet for this merit
badge, with substantially new requirements, was issued during 2004 after the 2004
edition of BOY SCOUT REQUIREMENTS was issued.
The previous requirements remain current until December
31, 2004.
Until that date, Scouts starting the merit badge may use
EITHER the previous requirements, or those in the new pamphlet, shown below, at their
option, but may not "mix and match" requirements from both sets. They should
finish the merit badge with whichever set they choose. If they start
using the previous requirements, they can continue using them until they
complete the badge or turn 18.
- Describe the proper clothing and other precautions for safely making
observations at night and in cold weather. Tell how to safely observe the
Sun, objects near the Sun, and the Moon. Explain first aid for injuries or
illnesses, such as heat and cold reactions, dehydration, bites and stings,
and damage to your eyes that could occur during observation.
- Explain what light pollution is and how it and air pollution affect
astronomy.
- With the aid of diagrams (or real telescopes if
available), do each of the following:
- Explain why binoculars and telescopes are important astronomical
tools. Demonstrate or explain how these tools are used.
- Describe the similarities and differences of several types of
astronomical telescopes.
- Explain the purposes of at least three instruments used with
astronomical telescopes.
- Do the following:
- Identify in the sky at least 10 constellations, at least four of
which are in the zodiac.
- Identify at least eight conspicuous stars, five of which are of
magnitude 1 or brighter.
- Make two sketches of the Big Dipper. In one sketch, show the Big
Dipper's orientation in the early evening sky. In another sketch, show
its position several hours later. In both sketches, show the North
Star and the horizon. Record the date and time each sketch was made.
- Explain what we see when we look at the Milky Way.
- Do the following:
- List the names of the five most visible planets. Explain which
ones can appear in phases similar to lunar phases and which ones
cannot, and explain why.
- Find out when each of the five most visible planets that you
identified in requirement 5a will be observable in the evening sky
during the next 12 months, then compile this information in the form of a chart or table.
Update your chart monthly to show whether each planet will be visible
during the early morning or in the evening sky.
- At approximately weekly intervals, sketch the position of Venus, Mars or Jupiter in
relation to the stars. Do this for at least four weeks and at the same
time of night. On your sketch, record the date and time next to the
planet's position. Use your sketch to explain how planets move.
- Do the following:
- Sketch the face of the moon and indicate at least five seas and
five craters. Label these landmarks.
- Sketch the phase and the daily position of the Moon at the same hour
and place, for a week. Include landmarks on the horizon such as hills,
trees, and buildings. Explain the changes you observe.
- List the factors that keep the Moon in orbit around Earth.
- With the aid of diagrams, explain the relative positions of the
Sun, Earth, and the Moon at the times of lunar and solar eclipses, and
at the times of new, first-quarter, full, and last-quarter phases of
the Moon.
- Do the following:
- Describe the composition of the Sun, its relationship to other stars, and some effects of
its radiation on Earth's weather. Define sunspots and describe some of the effects
they may have on solar radiation.
- Identify at least one red star, one blue star, and one yellow star
(other than the Sun). Explain the meaning of these colors.
- With your counselor's approval and guidance, do ONE of the following:
- Visit a planetarium or astronomical observatory. Submit a written report,
a scrapbook, or a video presentation afterward to your counselor that
includes the following information:
- Activities occurring there
- Exhibits and displays you saw
- Telescopes and instruments being used
- Celestial
objects you observed.
- Plan and participate in a three-hour observation session that
includes using binoculars or a telescope. List the celestial objects you
want to observe, and find each on a star chart or in a guidebook.
Prepare an observing log or notebook. Show your plan, charts, and log or
notebook to your counselor before making your observations. Review your
log or notebook with your counselor afterward.
- Plan and host a star party for your Scout troop or other group such
as your class at school. Use binoculars or a telescope to show and
explain celestial objects to the group.
- Help an astronomy club in your community hold a star party that is
open to the public.
- Personally take a series of photographs or digital images of the
movement of the Moon, a planet, an asteroid or meteoroid, or a comet. In
your visual display, label each image and include the date and time it
was taken. Show all positions on a star chart or map. Show your display
at school or at a troop meeting. Explain the changes you observed.
- List at least three different career opportunities in astronomy. Pick
the one you in which are most interested and explain how to prepare for
such a career. Discuss with your counselor what courses might be useful
for such a career.
BSA Advancement ID#: 22
Pamphlet Revision Date: 2004
Requirements last updated prior to 2004
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