The Seven Ws

Advice for pupils planning GCSE Astronomy Coursework

What

Where

When

Weather

With
What

are you going to observe? The Moon, a meteor shower,

constellations, the sky with different amounts of light pollution?
For most Coursework items, you could list a selection of
possibilities and then explain your choice(s).

are you going to observe from? Think about skyglow and

obscuring objects such as buildings or hills. Are you observing
towards the north or the south? Are there any local hills that
would make good observing sites? Can you observe from the
countryside?

are you going to observe? You will need to consider the phase of
the Moon that might limit your observations. Think about times as
well as dates. When will your chosen objects(s) be high up in the
sky?

You might need to obtain an accurate weather forecast; you

can usually find out what weather is likely up to five days
ahead.

equipment will you observe? Whether naked eye or aided,

you will need to give full details of all optical aids you intend
to use. An equipment list will also be useful; dont forget the
torch with red filter and warm clothes!

For all of these categories, try to explainwhy

using astronomical terminology. Good luck!