This "complex problem" is a whirlwind tour of some astronomy resources on the internet. You should combine this with a brief write-up of the observatory practical you did in the 2nd week.

Visit the sites below, answer any of the questions, discover what information or service they provide and describe this in your write up.

You should also look around and find and describe at least one other example of a good internet astronomy resource not on the list below.

Here's the list:

1. The SIMBAD astronomical database / name resolver. Use this to find the HD (Henry Draper) and HIC (Hipparcos) catalog numbers of Vega, as well as its right ascension and declination. What is Vega's "Flamsteed number" (given in each constellation by increasing RA). What is Vega's Bayer catalogue designation (also by constellation with a Greek letter for decreasing brightness)?

2. The Aladin sky atlas. For both SIMBAD and Aladin there are tutorials. Take a brief look at Aladin and describe some of the things you can do with it. Pick an astronomical target and download an image.

3. The FITS Support Office. What is FITS? Try opening a FITS file with a text editor such as notepad. (Depending on the editor this might show garbage...) Give some examples of the information contained in the FITS file header.

4. Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS) including the Nine (Ten!) Planets Solar System Tour (take the "Express Tour") and the Messier Catalog.