Traces the history of various theories about Mars that were derived through direct observation. (MLH)

Offers a description of the instrumentation and methods utilized in this attempt at naked eye astronomy one century after the invention of the telescope. Also examines the motives which resulted in the implementation of an antiquated mode of observation. (Author/CP)

Reports on the work of the scientist Laplace in the field of cosmogony. Provides insight to thinking that led to five forms of a theory which ignored known astronomical facts. (CP)

Briefly discusses the history of major ideas about the universe, such as nebulae, black holes, and the Big Bang theory. (MLH)

Provides a chronicle of the work of Miss Leavitt in the field of variable stars during the early part of the 20th century. (CP)

Analyzes the historical context that led to the founding of the society. Relates the ideas and reactions of key figures of the time such as James Lick, George Hale, E.C. Pickering, and S. Newcomb. (GS)

This text is designed for use in a first year high school science course and is an attempt to put basic physical science concepts into a logical order. This organization involves an historical approach, beginning with four chapters on astronomy: Modern Astronomy, The Ancient Astronomers, Astronomy - Ptolemy to Kepler, and Galileo and Newton. The…

Presents a quiz on Copernicus' life, work, and impact on human thought for the purpose of sharpening some of the prevalent ideas about Copernicus. Includes the answers with detailed discussions. (CC)

Describes the construction of a 17th-century telescope using old lenses and compares observations using this instrument with Galileo's observations. Describes experiments with modern eyepieces, the educational value of the activity, and given recommendations for construction of similar telescopes. (JN)

Traces the history of astronomy by analyzing the scientific literature of various time periods, reviewing prize-winning research, and noting the input from physics. Speculates on some accomplishments that may occur in the next 75 years. (GS)

Provides an annotated bibliography of recent journal articles, books, audio-visual materials, laboratory materials, and further resources suitable for use in secondary school astronomy courses. (CP)

Describes a technique of relating distances star light has traveled to events in modern history. The mathematical background for the technique is given along with five star tables which include diagrams, star names, corresponding events and dates, and light year distances. (MVL)

Describes the genesis, the early experiments, and the limitations of X-ray astronomy. Discusses original methods for searching and locating the first interstellar X-ray source, modern attempts to identify a massive black hole as part of a binary system X-ray source, and the effort to generate X-ray images of solar flares. (JJK)

The paper is an extended work from a previous study on Taiwanese and German students' conceptions of the universe (Liu, 2005). The study revealed that students discuss astronomical events and entities based on a mental model of universe and their models of the universe seem to have similar underlying principles with historical ones. In present…

Presents a brief review of man's study of the planets from early visual observations to present day investigation by interplanetary spacecraft. (SL)