 * Astronomy *
This Merit Badge is done on Friday Night ONLY.
The Pathways to Eagle preparation work items for the * Astronomy * merit badge are: 4c, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8e
- Items in RED - MUST be completed before the session starts to make it possible to complete the merit badge at Pathways to Eagle. Bring proof of completion (item, written work, note, photo, etc.)
- Items in GREEN - Can be completed before the session starts or done during merit badge session.
- Items in BLACK - MUST be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of these requirements during the merit badge session.
Scouts are strongly encouraged to use a Merit Badge worksheet to show that they have done the preparation work for the merit badge.
Download the workbook for the
* Astronomy * Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from the U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
Scouts MUST be able to discuss any items completed as preparation works or as written work.
Note: Some requirements contain items that fall into more that one category and are listed as the higher category.
| a. |
Explain to your counselor the most likely hazards
you may encounter while participating in astronomy
activities, and what you should do to anticipate,
help prevent, mitigate, and respond to these
hazards. |
| b. |
Explain first aid for injuries or illnesses such
as heat and cold reactions, dehydration, bites and
stings, and damage to your eyes that could occur
during observation. |
| c. |
Describe the proper clothing and other precautions
for safely making observations at night and in
cold weather. Then explain how to safely observe
the Sun, objects near the Sun, and the Moon. |
2. |
Explain what light pollution is and how it and air
pollution affect astronomy. |
3. |
With the aid of diagrams (or real telescopes if
available), do each of the following: |
| a. |
Explain why binoculars and telescopes are
important astronomical tools. Demonstrate or
explain how these tools are used. |
| b. |
Describe the similarities and differences of
several types of astronomical telescopes,
including at least one that observes light beyond
the visible part of the spectrum (i.e., radio, X-
ray, ultraviolet, or infrared). |
| c. |
Explain the purposes of at least three instruments
used with astronomical telescopes. |
| d. |
Describe the proper care and storage of telescopes
and binoculars both at home and in the field. |
| a. |
Identify in the sky at least 10 constellations, at
least four of which are in the zodiac. |
| b. |
Identify in the sky at least eight conspicuous
stars, five of which are of magnitude 1 or
brighter. |
| c. |
Make two sketches of the Big Dipper. In one
sketch, show the Big Dipper’s orientation in the
early evening sky. In another sketch, show its
position several hours later. In both sketches,
show the North Star and the horizon. Record the
date and time each sketch was made. |
| d. |
Explain what we see when we look at the Milky Way. |
| a. |
List the names of the five most visible planets.
Explain which ones can appear in phases similar to
lunar phases and which ones cannot, and explain
why. |
| b. |
Using the internet (with your parent’s
permission) and other resources, find out when
each of the five most visible planets that you
identified in requirement 5a will be observable
in the evening sky during the next 12 months,
then compile this information in the form of a
chart or table. |
| c. |
Describe the motion of the planets across the sky. |
| d. |
Observe a planet and describe what you saw. |
| a. |
Sketch the face of the Moon and indicate at least
five seas and five craters. Label these landmarks. |
| b. |
Sketch the phase and position of the Moon, at the
same hour and place, for four nights within a one-
week period. Include landmarks on the horizon such
as hills, trees, and buildings. Explain the
changes you observe. |
| c. |
List the factors that keep the Moon in orbit
around Earth. |
| d. |
With the aid of diagrams, explain the relative
positions of the Sun, Earth, and the Moon at the
times of lunar and solar eclipses, and at the
times of new, first-quarter, full, and last-
quarter phases of the Moon. |
| a. |
Describe the composition of the Sun, its
relationship to other stars, and some effects of
its radiation on Earth’s weather and
communications. |
| b. |
Define sunspots and describe some of the effects
they may have on solar radiation. |
| c. |
Identify at least one red star, one blue star, and
one yellow star (other than the Sun). Explain the
meaning of these colors. |
8. |
With your counselor’s approval and guidance, do
ONE of the following: |
| a. |
Visit a planetarium or astronomical observatory.
Submit a written report, a scrapbook, or a video
presentation afterward to your counselor that
includes the following information:
(1) Activities occurring there
(2) Exhibits and displays you saw
(3) Telescopes and other instruments being used
(4) Celestial objects you observed |
| b. |
Plan and participate in a three-hour observation
session that includes using binoculars or a
telescope. List the celestial objects you want
to observe, and find each on a star chart or in
a guidebook. Prepare a log or notebook. Discuss
with your counselor what you hope to observe
prior to your observation session. Review your
log or notebook with your counselor afterward.
To complete this requirement, you may use the
Scout Planning Worksheet at
http://troopleader.org/wp-
contentuploads/2016/03/512-505_16_Wksht_WEB.pdf |
| c. |
Plan and host a star party for your Scout troop or
other group such as your class at school. Use
binoculars or a telescope to show and explain
celestial objects to the group. |
| d. |
Help an astronomy club in your community hold a
star party that is open to the public. |
| e. |
Personally take a series of photographs or
digital images of the movement of the Moon, a
planet, an asteroid, meteor, or a comet. In your
visual display, label each image and include the
date and time it was taken. Show all positions
on a star chart or map. Show your display at
school or at a troop meeting. Explain the
changes you observed. |
9. |
Find out about three career opportunities in
astronomy. Pick one and find out the education,
training, and experience required for this
profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and
explain why this profession might interest you. |
|
The requirements listed on this web site are believed to be correct.
The official requirements can be found in the current edition of
"Boy Scout Requirements Book 2025"
Download the workbook for the
* Astronomy * Merit Badge
in Adobe PDF format from, The U.S. Scouting Service Project website.
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