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Astronomy

Chapter 24: Observing AGNs

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Astronomy Lab Instructions

Astronomy Lab: Recognizing Galaxy Types Lab

Goal: To classify Galaxies according to accepted characteristics

As an alternative to this lab, you can participate in the Zooniverse Radio Galaxy Zoo: LOFAR project. Review a previous labs such as the Galaxy Classification Lab for instructions on how to participate in and create your lab report for a Zooniverse project.

Read through the Astronomical League Active Galactic Nuclei Observing Program descriptions for the different galactic types. Ideally, you would survey a section of the sky, identify, and classify galaxies you observe. If possible the instructions to observe a section of sky with appropriate equipment and identify at least three Active Galactic Nuclei. If you are unable to gain access to an appropriate 10-16" computer driven telescope, use the resources below to compare quasars

Materials and tools

Procedure

  1. Select five different quasars from the Frankfurt Project.
    • Record the quasar names, type, redshift, distance, color magnitude, and absolute magnitude.
    • Describe the light curve pattern: is it consistently in the same range, or does it change?
    • Check internet resources and see whether you can find Hubble or satellite pictures of your objects.
  2. Select five different Seyfert galaxies from the CalTech list.
    • Record the object names, Seyfert class, redshift, distance, and color magnitude.
    • Check internet resources and see whether you can find Hubble or satellite pictures of your objects.

Report

Summarize your findings. How do the data for quasars compare with the data for Seyfert galaxies? Which can you describe in more detail?

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