Section 2: Examining Images with Afterglow Access
Part 2A: Introduction
GOAL
To find the rotational rate of an asteroid, we need to become familiar with the tools available within the image processing software, Afterglow Access (AgA). Section 2 will accomplish this goal by examining Messier objects and asteroid images. We will also use some of our new programming skills with the Quorum language to understand the “behind the scenes” workings of Afterglow Access.
**NOTE: We will be visiting the tools on Afterglow Access many times in this section, with explanations given throughout. Please be patient with yourself as your understanding grows.
Teachers/Leaders: Notes and Help Section 2 Parts A-G
Let’s start with this 1:52 video in which Chris introduces the idea of objects with changing brightness:
Why would objects vary or change in brightness?
Teachers/Leaders refer to the link below for a resource to guide the discussion.
Use your journal to record your ideas.
1. List as many ideas as you can about why an object might vary or change brightness – no idea is too wild!
2. List some objects in space that you think vary in brightness.
3. List as many ways, including accessible ways, in which the varying light can be quantitatively measured (which means “using numbers”).