GCSE Astronomy

This is a suggested plan for guided self study of the Edexcel specification points covered in Paper 1 Naked-eye Astronomy

Paper 1 Naked-eye Astronomy Edexcel GCSE Astronomy Learning Plan

A lovely image of the half moon by one of the John Mason School GCSE Astronomy pupils

Analysis of a star trail photograph to calculate the length of a sidereal day

Photograph of Ursa Minor by a John Mason School student

Determination of the longitude of Abingdon to within 0.03° by a John Mason School student

• Criteria for GCSE Astronomy Observing Task
• Allowed observational tasks
• 1. Observation Planning Workbook
• 2. Unaided Observation Recording Form
• 3. Analysis and Evaluation Workbook
• Handy link – Light Pollution/Bortle Scale: https://astrobackyard.com/the-bortle-scale/
• Some examples of simple astrophotography:

Ursa Minor by Henry, John Mason School

Venus and The Pleiades

The Moon’s Terminator

Very low spring tides during the early April Supermoon in 2020

Arcturus in Bootes

Vega, Lyra, Deneb and part of Cygnus

Scorpio emerging from behind the rooftops

A satellite travelling above the constellation of Ophiucus

Ursa Major and Ursa Minor with Draco between them

Ursa Minor showing the red star Kochab and blue Pherkad sometimes known as ‘Keepers of the Pole’ as they circle Polaris to the right,

Cassiopeia and nacreous clouds above Portsmouth.

A4 Estimate a Celestial Property Using Drawings

A9 Longitude from a Shadow Stick

A10 Assess the accuracy of a sundial

Some example work by GCSE Astronomy students:

Determination of the longitude of Abingdon using the shadow stick method by Henry, John Mason School

• GCSE Astronomy – Space Probes notes
• The 7 Coolest Active Space Probes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiQpudokpzc