![]() ![]() Finally, use this formula: Diameter of the image of the sun ÷ distance from the pinhole to the paper × distance from Earth to sun, approximately 149,600,000 kilometers (92,957,130 miles) = diameter of the sun.Calculate the distance by measuring the length of the box. The pinhole is on the opposite side of the box from the paper. Use a ruler to measure the distance from the pinhole to the paper.Multiply the radius by 2 to calculate the diameter. Then, use a ruler to measure the distance from the center of the circle to one side of the circle in centimeters.Find the center of the circle at the point where the two perpendicular lines drawn intersect or cross.Draw a line segment perpendicular (at a 90° angle) to the chord toward the center of the circle.Draw any two chords, or line segments that cross in two places on the circumference of the circle.Place a dot in the exact center of the circle. For a more precise method, students can use the chord bisector method, described below. Find the center of the circle by folding the circle twice making sure the outer edges of the circle line up. Draw a circle around the image of the projected sun on the paper.First model, and then have them do the following steps in order: ![]() Tell students that they can gather data from their sunspot viewer activity to calculate, or figure out, the diameter of the sun. Keep positioning the projector until you have the image of the sun on your screen. Aim the pinhole side of the projector at the sun.Tape a piece of white paper to the inside of the box.Make sure that the window is no wider than the side of the box. The window should be no larger than 10 centimeters x 3 centimeters. At the opposite side of the box, cut a small window about 1 centimeter from the end.Carefully use the pushpin or sewing needle to poke a hole into the foil.Tape a piece of aluminum foil over the hole, making sure it is taut.Take the cardboard box and cut a 2 centimeter x 2 centimeter hole at one end.Before students begin, project the step-by-step illustration for them to refer to as they build their viewers. Have students build a pinhole viewer to view sunspots.ĭivide students into small groups of 3 or 4. In this activity, students will build a pinhole viewer that will allow them to observe the sun indirectly and safely.ģ. Instead, scientists use methods that allow them to observe the sun indirectly. Make sure that students understand that no one-not even scientists-ever look directly at the sun. Introduce the activity and safety concerns.Įxplain to students that looking directly at the sun is very dangerous and can cause permanent damage to human eyes. Ask students to restate the comparison of sunspots to light bulbs in their own words.Ģ. Show students the NASA video “What are sunspots?” Provide support for vocabulary terms sunspots, magnetic field, photosphere, convection, and atmosphere, as needed. Watch the NASA video “What are sunspots?” ![]()
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