Observational Skills

Work Experience Week 2024

Every year, Liverpool John Moores University's Astrophysics Research Institute (ARI) offers 20 Year 12 students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in astrophysics during a week-long work experience. This year, students once again embarked on an extraordinary 5-day journey, learning from professionals, enhancing their STEM skills, and conducting their own research projects in a one-of-a-kind learning environment.


Make Your Own Star Wheel

Have you ever noticed how the night sky looks different every single day? This is because we are constantly moving in space so our view changes.



A picture of a starry sky with question marks over the top


Measure Mountains on the Moon

Short Intro Text: 

Did you know there are mountains on the Moon? How tall do you think they are? Are they higher than mountains on Earth?

Complete this activity to find out! You will use high resolution images of the Moon and a bit of maths to investigate the answer.





Keep a Moon Diary

Have you noticed the Moon is brighter some nights than others? And it looks like the Moon changes shape? We call these changes the phases of the Moon.



A calendar for a month that has been partially filled in to show the phase of the Moon on each day.


Seasons - The Sun in the Sky

In the UK, we experience 4 seasons each year. These are spring, summer, autumn, and winter. You may have noticed that the weather changes during each season. But have you noticed any other differences? 



Illustration of a tree in summer


Moonsaic

You have probably seen the Moon in the sky but have you ever studied it in detail? 



Photo of school children assembling the Moonsaic


What Makes Shadows on the Moon?



A close-up view of the Moon's surface. The bottom of the image is in shadow.


The Changing Moon

You can use the Liverpool Telescope to observe features on the Moon’s surface. This is because the telescope has a field of view that shows small areas of the sky in lots of detail.



The Moon at Waning and Waxing gibbous phases.