Teaching Astronomical Concepts Relevant to Earth and Climate Sciences with AstroGeoVis 1.0 : Leveraging Scientific Computing and Dynamic Visualizations

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tihomir Kostadinov
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Computing ◽  
Climate Model ◽  
Numerical Data ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Physical Geography ◽  
Milankovitch Cycles ◽  
Earth Orbit ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Solar Declination ◽  
Celestial Sphere

<p>Solar irradiance is one of the defining factors determining Earth’s climate and habitability. Thus, comprehension of Earth’s orbital parameters, and the resulting apparent motions of the Sun on the celestial sphere and spatio-temporal patterns of insolation, is an important part of climate literacy. The Earth orbit v2.1 model (Kostadinov and Gilb, 2014, GMD) focused on 3D Earth orbit, Milankovitch cycles and insolation visualization and analysis with research and pedagogical applications.  Here I introduce <em>AstroGeoVis v1.0</em> – software that performs astronomical visualizations relevant to Earth and climate science, with a focus on the apparent motions of the Sun on the celestial sphere and related concepts, with primarily pedagogical applications in mind. Specifically, <em>AstroGeoVis v1.0</em> computes solar equatorial and local horizontal coordinates (using the Meeus (1998) algorithms) and uses first principles to compute and visualize various phenomena such as the terminator, daily path of the Sun on the celestial sphere, shadow geometry, the equation of time and the analemma, seasonality and daylength. Instantaneous irradiance on a randomly oriented solar panel is computed and used to determine annual energy production and optimize panel orientation, demonstrating numerical integration and optimization. This component of <em>AstroGeoVis v1.0</em> is particularly relevant in the context of the increasing importance of solar renewable energy and sustainable practices such as passive building design, requiring that an increasing number and variety of professionals be familiar with Sun-Earth geometry and related concepts.</p><p><em>AstroGeoVis v1.0</em> was written in MATLAB© and is open source. I provide multiple examples and ideas for classroom use, including a complete exercise in which students track solar declination throughout the semester via shadow length and azimuth measurements. The software has multiple pedagogical advantages, e.g. figures are dynamic and can be re-created by the instructor, for example for a specific latitude, some are 3D and have pan/tilt/zoom capability. The scientific code itself can be inspected, modified and improved by instructors and students as needed, i.e. it is intended that the code as well as the visualizations will be used in instructional settings. This makes <em>AstroGeoVis v1.0</em> applicable in pedagogical settings at many levels, across many disciplines, e.g. physical geography, oceanography, meteorology, climatology, Earth system science, physics, astronomy, mathematics and computer science. Earth sciences, like many other disciplines, have increasingly become highly quantitative and computational in nature, dealing with large numerical data sets (e.g. climate model development and analysis). <em>AstroGeoVis v1.0</em> is intended to help students master not only astronomical concepts relevant to Earth and climate sciences, but also acquire scientific computing and data analysis skills, which are becoming increasingly indispensable for a wide variety of careers.</p>

scholarly journals <i>AstroGeoVis v1.0</i>: Astronomical Visualizations and Scientific Computing for Earth Science Education

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tihomir S. Kostadinov
Keyword(s):  
High School Students ◽  
Scientific Computing ◽  
Earth Science ◽  
Numerical Data ◽  
Climate Science ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Physical Geography ◽  
College Level ◽  
School Students ◽  
Pedagogical Research

Abstract. Modern climate science, Earth system science, physical geography, oceanography, meteorology, and related disciplines have increasingly turned into highly quantitative, computational fields, dealing with processing, analysis and visualization of large numerical data sets. Students of these and many other disciplines thus need to acquire robust scientific computing and data analysis skills, which have universal applicability. In addition, the increasing economic importance and environmental significance of solar power and sustainable practices such as passive building design have recently increased the importance of understanding of the apparent motions of the Sun on the celestial sphere, for a wider array of students and professionals. In this paper, I introduce and describe AstroGeoVis v1.0: open-source software that calculates solar coordinates and related parameters and produces astronomical visualizations relevant to the Earth and climate sciences. The software is written in MATLAB©; while its primary intended purpose is pedagogical, research use is envisioned as well. Both the visualizations and the code are intended to be used in the classroom in a variety of courses, at a variety of levels (targeting high school students to undergraduates), including Earth and climate sciences, geography, physics, astronomy, mathematics, statistics and computer science. I provide examples of classroom use and assignment ideas, as well as examples of ways I have used these resources in my college-level teaching. Dedication Tihomir S. Kostadinov dedicates this paper to the memory of his parents, who instilled in him a deep interest in and appreciation of astronomy, mathematics, and science.

scholarly journals Earth Orbit v2.1: a 3-D visualization and analysis model of Earth's orbit, Milankovitch cycles and insolation

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 1051-1068 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. S. Kostadinov ◽  
R. Gilb
Keyword(s):  
A Priori ◽  
Radius Vector ◽  
Day Length ◽  
Milankovitch Cycles ◽  
Earth Orbit ◽  
Orbital Eccentricity ◽  
Analysis Model ◽  
Orbital Geometry ◽  
Solar Declination ◽  
Milankovitch Theory

Abstract. Milankovitch theory postulates that periodic variability of Earth's orbital elements is a major climate forcing mechanism, causing, for example, the contemporary glacial–interglacial cycles. There are three Milankovitch orbital parameters: orbital eccentricity, precession and obliquity. The interaction of the amplitudes, periods and phases of these parameters controls the spatio-temporal patterns of incoming solar radiation (insolation) and the timing and duration of the seasons. This complexity makes Earth–Sun geometry and Milankovitch theory difficult to teach effectively. Here, we present "Earth Orbit v2.1": an astronomically precise and accurate model that offers 3-D visualizations of Earth's orbital geometry, Milankovitch parameters and the ensuing insolation forcing. The model is developed in MATLAB® as a user-friendly graphical user interface. Users are presented with a choice between the Berger (1978a) and Laskar et al. (2004) astronomical solutions for eccentricity, obliquity and precession. A "demo" mode is also available, which allows the Milankovitch parameters to be varied independently of each other, so that users can isolate the effects of each parameter on orbital geometry, the seasons, and insolation. A 3-D orbital configuration plot, as well as various surface and line plots of insolation and insolation anomalies on various time and space scales are produced. Insolation computations use the model's own orbital geometry with no additional a priori input other than the Milankovitch parameter solutions. Insolation output and the underlying solar declination computation are successfully validated against the results of Laskar et al. (2004) and Meeus (1998), respectively. The model outputs some ancillary parameters as well, e.g., Earth's radius-vector length, solar declination and day length for the chosen date and latitude. Time-series plots of the Milankovitch parameters and several relevant paleoclimatological data sets can be produced. Both research and pedagogical applications are envisioned for the model.

scholarly journals Earth Orbit v2.1: a 3-D visualization and analysis model of Earth's orbit, Milankovitch cycles and insolation

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 5947-5980
Author(s):  
T. S. Kostadinov ◽  
R. Gilb
Keyword(s):  
Ice Core ◽  
Radius Vector ◽  
Day Length ◽  
Milankovitch Cycles ◽  
Earth Orbit ◽  
Orbital Eccentricity ◽  
Analysis Model ◽  
Orbital Geometry ◽  
Solar Declination ◽  
Milankovitch Theory

Abstract. Milankovitch theory postulates that periodic variability of Earth's orbital elements is a major climate forcing mechanism, causing, for example, the contemporary glacial-interglacial cycles. There are three Milankovitch orbital parameters: orbital eccentricity, precession and obliquity. The interaction of the amplitudes, periods and phases of these parameters controls the spatio-temporal patterns of incoming solar radiation (insolation) and the timing of the seasons with respect to perihelion. This complexity makes Earth–Sun geometry and Milankovitch theory difficult to teach effectively. Here, we present "Earth Orbit v2.1": an astronomically precise and accurate model that offers 3-D visualizations of Earth's orbital geometry, Milankovitch parameters and the ensuing insolation forcing. The model is developed in MATLAB® as a user-friendly graphical user interface. Users are presented with a choice between the Berger (1978a) and Laskar et al. (2004) astronomical solutions for eccentricity, obliquity and precession. A "demo" mode is also available, which allows the Milankovitch parameters to be varied independently of each other, so that users can isolate the effects of each parameter on orbital geometry, the seasons, and insolation. A 3-D orbital configuration plot, as well as various surface and line plots of insolation and insolation anomalies on various time and space scales are produced. Insolation computations use the model's own orbital geometry with no additional a priori input other than the Milankovitch parameter solutions. Insolation output and the underlying solar declination computation are successfully validated against the results of Laskar et al. (2004) and Meeus (1998), respectively. The model outputs some ancillary parameters as well, e.g. Earth's radius-vector length, solar declination and day length for the chosen date and latitude. Time-series plots of the Milankovitch parameters and EPICA ice core CO2 and temperature data can be produced. Both research and pedagogical applications are envisioned for the model.

2. Planet Earth

2018 ◽  
pp. 6-21
Author(s):  
William Lowrie
Keyword(s):  
Big Bang ◽  
Chandler Wobble ◽  
Planetary Motion ◽  
Milankovitch Cycles ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Conservation Of Energy ◽  
The Earth ◽  
The Law ◽  
Physical Laws ◽  
The Big Bang

Two important physical laws determine the behaviour of the Earth as a planet and the relationship between the Sun and its planets: the law of conservation of energy and the law of conservation of angular momentum. ‘Planet Earth’ explains these laws along with the ‘Big Bang’ theory that describes the formation of the solar system: the Sun; the eight planets divided into the inner, terrestrial planets (Mercury, Venus, the Earth, and Mars) and the outer, giant planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune); and the Trans-Neptunian objects that lie beyond Neptune. Kepler’s laws of planetary motion, the Chandler wobble, the effects of the Moon and Jupiter on the Earth’s rotation, and the Milankovitch cycles of climatic variation are also discussed.

scholarly journals India

1998 ◽  
Vol 162 ◽  
pp. 32-34
Author(s):  
J. V. Narlikar ◽  
N.C. Rana
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Space Technology ◽  
The Moon ◽  
School Teachers ◽  
Astronomy Education ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Celestial Sphere ◽  
Modern Astronomy

A summary of work related to astronomy education carried out during the last three years in India is presented here. Since India is a huge country and many educational efforts are made by individuals alone, this report cannot be regarded as complete, but a specific sampling.India has more than 200 Universities, 8000 colleges, and about 100,000 schools, 33 planetaria, more than 100 museums and about 60 well known amateur astronomers’ clubs. Scores of dedicated astronomy oriented school teachers, act as nuclei of astronomy education for the general public and school children .The astronomical almanac, used in a typical household is in some way related to the stars in the sky and the movements of the Sun, the Moon and the planets. Traditionally, a rudimentary knowledge of the celestial sphere is common. The recent developments in space technology have brought a fascination and glamour to modern astronomy for all age groups, and this is noticeably reflected in the number of media coverages of astronomy.

Astral Sciences in Ancient China

2018 ◽  
pp. 128-144
Author(s):  
Xu Fengxian
Keyword(s):  
Empty Space ◽  
Han Dynasty ◽  
The Sun ◽  
Space Theory ◽  
Ancient China ◽  
Star Catalogue ◽  
The Earth ◽  
The People ◽  
Solar Eclipses ◽  
Celestial Sphere

The chapter studies ancient Chinese astronomy, which focused on computing and predicting the movements of the heavens (天 tian), the sun, moon, stars, and asterisms, which was the duty of the rulers, in order that the people be well-regulated. Heavenly bodies were allocated to terrestrial zones, especially 28 constellations roughly along the equator or the ecliptic, the seven stars of the Big Dipper (regarded as the carriage of heaven), and the five planets. Unusual celestial phenomena were recorded, such as solar eclipses, comets, and meteorites. The 盖天 gai tian theory (celestial dome theory), the 浑天 hun tian Theory (celestial sphere theory) and the 宣夜 xuan ye theory (infinite empty space theory) were the three primary theories of the structure of the heaven and the earth, in the Han dynasty (202 bce—220 ce). The earliest extant Chinese star catalogue of the whole sky was composed in the 1st century bce, and the definitive constellation system of 283 constellations, 1464 or 1465 stars was composed in the 3rd century ce.

scholarly journals The Antikythera Mechanism: The oldest mechanical universe in its scientific milieu

2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (S260) ◽  
pp. 135-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xenophon Moussas
Keyword(s):  
Main Part ◽  
Accurate Prediction ◽  
The Other ◽  
Stationary Points ◽  
Analogue Computer ◽  
The Sun ◽  
The Moon ◽  
Celestial Bodies ◽  
Celestial Sphere ◽  
Astronomical Instrument

AbstractIn this review the oldest known advanced astronomical instrument and dedicated analogue computer is presented, in context. The Antikythera Mechanism a mysterious device, assumed to be ahead of its time, probably made around 150 to 100 BCE, has been found in a 1st century BCE shipwreck near the island of Antikythera in a huge ship full of Greek treasures that were on their way to Rome. The Antikythera Mechanism is a clock-like device made of bronze gears, which looks much more advanced than its contemporary technological achievements. It is based on mathematics attributed to the Hipparchus and possibly carries knowledge and tradition that goes back to Archimedes, who according to ancient texts constructed several automata, including astronomical devices, a mechanical planetarium and a celestial sphere. The Antikythera Mechanism probably had a beautiful and expensive box; looking possibly like a very elaborate miniature Greek Temple, perhaps decorated with golden ornaments, of an elegant Hellenistic style, even perhaps with automatic statuettes, ‘daemons’, functioning as pointers that performed some of its operations. Made out of appropriately tailored trains of gears that enable to perform specialised calculations, the mechanism carries concentric scales and pointers, in one side showing the position of the Sun in the ecliptic and the sky, possibly giving the time, hour of the day or night, like a clock. The position of the Moon and its phase is also shown during the month. On the other side of the Mechanism, having probably the size of a box (main part 32×20×6 cm), are two large spiral scales with two pointers showing the time in two different very long calendars, the first one concerning the eclipses, and lasting 18 years 11 days and 8 hours, the Saros period, repeating the solar and lunar eclipses, and enabling their prediction, and the 19 year cycle of Meton, that is the period the Moon reappears in the same place of the sky, with the same phase. An additional four-year dial shows the year of all Greek Festivities, the so-called ‘games’ (Olympic, Pythian, Isthmian etc). Two additional dials give the Exeligmos, the 54 year and 34 day cycle, which provides a more accurate prediction of eclipses. It is possible that the Mechanism was also equipped with a planetary show display, as three of the planets and their motion (stationary points) are mentioned many times in the manual of the instrument, so it was also a planetarium. From the manual we have hints that the mechanism was probably also an observational instrument, as having instructions concerning a viewfinder and possibly how to orient the viewfinder to pass a sunbeam through it, probably measuring the altitude of the Sun. There are fragmented sentences that probably give instructions on how to move the pointers to set the position of the Sun, the Moon and the planets in their initial places in the ecliptic, on a specific day, or how to measure angular distances between two celestial bodies or their coordinates. This mechanism is definitely not the first one of its kind. The fact that it is accompanied with instructions means that the constructor had in its mind to be used by somebody else and one posits that he made at least another similar instrument.

The Registered Distance of the Celestial Sphere: Some Historical Cross-Cultural Data

1989 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 211-217 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Plug
Keyword(s):  
Cross Cultural ◽  
The Sun ◽  
The Past ◽  
Celestial Sphere ◽  
The Last Two Millennia ◽  
Cultural Data ◽  
As If

Estimates of the diameters of the sun and moon expressed in centimetres have been reported by several authors in the past. These estimates imply that the sizes of the sun and moon are perceived as if these bodies are only some tens of metres distant. In this study five units of length that were used by ancient astronomers to estimate arcs on the celestial sphere were investigated. The purpose was to determine whether the lengths and angles represented by these units imply a specific registered distance of the star sphere. The sizes of the Babylonian cubit, Arab fitr and shibr, Greek eclipse digit, and Chinese chang support the conclusion that the registered distance of the stars was about 10 to 40 metres in these four cultures over the last two millennia.

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