Astronomy


Resources
- Astronomy Class Preparation Page
- Astronomy Workbook
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Merit Badge Advancement Quick Reference
- Scoutmaster Bucky's Acknowledgement Form
Related
Astronomy Requirements Current Scouts BSA requirements
as of March 8, 2025
as of March 8, 2025
1.
Do the following:
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 observations.
c.
Describe the proper clothing and other precautions for safely making
observations at night and in cold weather.
d.
Explain how to safely observe the Sun, objects near the Sun and solar
eclipses.
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 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 three instruments used with astronomical
telescopes.
d.
Describe the proper care and storage of telescopes and binoculars both
at home and in the field.
4.
Do the following (if instruction is done in a planetarium, Scouts must
still identify the required stars and constellations outside under the
natural night sky):
a.
Identify in the sky 10 constellations, at least four of which are in
the zodiac.
b.
Identify in the sky eight conspicuous stars, five of which are of
magnitude 1 or brighter.
c.
Make two sketches of the Big Dipper or Cassiopeia from direct
observation. In one sketch, show the Big Dipper's or Cassiopeia's
orientation in the early evening sky. Make another sketch, showing 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.
5.
Do the following:
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 or guardian'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.
6.
Do the following:
a.
Sketch the face of the Moon and indicate 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 (or days) within a one-week period by direct
observation. 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.
7.
Do the following:
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 an observation session that includes using
binoculars or a telescope and includes at least 10 celestial objects
beyond those observed in requirement 4. These might be lunar features,
Messier objects, additional constellations or planets, or artificial
satellites including the International Space Station. List the
celestial objects you want to observe and find each in a star chart,
guidebook or by using an app. 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.
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.
f.
With your parent or guardian and counselor's approval, use online
observing opportunities such as SkyNet to observe planets, comets,
galaxies, and/or the sun. Describe your experience to your counslor.
9.
Do ONE of the following:
a.
Identify three career opportunities that would use skills and knowledge
in astronomy. Pick one and research the training, education,
certification requirements, experience, and expenses associated with
entering the field. Research the prospects for employment, starting
salary, advancement opportunities and career goals associated with this
career. Discuss what you learned with your counselor and whether you
might be interested in this career.
b.
Identify how you might use the skills and knowledge in astronomy to
pursue a personal hobby. Research the additional training required,
expenses, and affiliation with organizations that would help you
maximize the enjoyment and benefit you might gain from it. Discuss what
you learned with your counselor and share what short-term and long-term
goals you might have if you pursued this.