Sixth Years: Lesson Two

Professor Nakamura felt like the first class had gone well. He had quite a bit to get through today so as the students settled into the class he got straight into it. “Welcome back to lesson two of advanced astronomy,” Professor Nakamura said amiably. “This week will be more notetaking, but next week we will be looking at the stars so if you’ve a more practical mind, look forward to that.” Professor Nakamura scanned the faces of the students, taking note of their reactions. He always preferred the more practical when he was their age – actually getting to look at and admire the stars solidified the teachings they’d done.

“Now, the distance between the sun and the earth is an important measurement in astronomy. Unfortunately our eyes are quite sensitive to light, as you are no doubt aware. Looking at the sun directly can also lead to harm to our eyes. Getting an accurate estimate was difficult, but we now know the distance. This distance is known as the astronomical unit, or AU.” Professor Nakamura used his wand to lift some chalk to write ‘astronomical unit = AU’ on the blackboard. “If you want to know the precise distance, it is 149,597,870,700 meters.” The number also appeared on the board, the chalk moving quickly to keep up with Professor Nakamura. “Jupiter, for instance, is on average 5.2 AU from the sun. Now for something a bit more practical.” Professor Nakamura paused, taking his thumb and stretching it out – for a moment appearing to give a thumbs up. He closed one eye, then opened that only to close the other. “If you copy what I’m doing, you will notice that the background behind your thumb shifts. This is called your depth perception; the shift is known as the parallax. The parallax changes depending on how far apart your eyes are and how close the object you’re looking at is.” Professor Nakamura stopped, pulling his thumb closer to his face this time. “Now try holding your thumb closer to your face. What do you notice about this compared to the thumb further away?” Professor Nakamura asked the class. He nodded as a student gave the right answer. “That’s right, the background shifts even more.” Professor Nakamura let the students continue experimenting for a few more minutes.

“Next week we’ll go further into this, but for now your homework is to read the next chapter in your textbooks. Class dismissed.”

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Roleplay the lesson for full marks.
Someone can answer the question for extra credit if they wish.

 

[Elio Boneheart]

Astronomy was the only lesson that Elio felt like he might actually struggle with, mostly because he felt like he was always tired in the class. He had not really done Astronomy with his mother, well, he had looked up as the stars but that was really it. That wasn't really Astronomy though, that was just stargazing. It didn't help that this class took place at night and so Elio could struggle to get up at the best of times but at night it was honestly worse. Especially if he'd gone to bed early. It helped that it was usually on the night there was no other classes. Elio settled into his seat, his mind buzzing with the anticipation of another session, even if he did feel like it was slightly dulled. He opened his note book, ready to take notes on whatever was spoken about in this class today. Elio paid close attention to the mentions of the astronomical unit, or the AU, and its precise distance resonated with him. He made a mental note to research more about how such measurements could be achieved now and how they were achieved historically.

When the professor demonstrated the parallax effect, Elio followed suit, holding his thumb out and alternating closing each eye. He noticed the shift of the background and how it changed when he brought his thumb closer to his face. His curiosity piqued, he repeated the exercise several times, fascinated by the practical demonstration of a concept that sounded so abstract when just spoken about. Elio's mind worked quickly as he observed the difference. Eager to participate, he raised his hand and, upon being called on, answered confidently, “The background shifts even more when the thumb is closer to the face. This is because the parallax is greater when the object is nearer.” Elio smiled and continued experimenting for the remaining few minutes, understanding the principle more deeply with each repetition. As the lesson concluded, Elio noted the homework assignment: reading the next chapter in their textbooks. He meticulously packed his things, already looking forward to next week's practical stargazing session. With a last glance at the blackboard, he left the classroom, his mind still reflecting on the wonders of astronomy.​

 

[Cassius Styx]

The second week of lessons. Cassius Styx thought that this was going to be a good day for him, or a good year. He did not have the OWLs. He did not have a lot of drama at home. As far as he knew. Cass could not wait to graduate and start his career, no matter what it would be. He had a few options. Cass just had not narrowed them beyond two full parchments of careers. It was three. Maybe four. So he was getting there. He had the grades to do what he wanted, and just needed to keep them that way. Cass checked the time, and saw that he was going to be early. Well, might as well be since he was done getting ready and headed out of the Slytherin dorms with his prefect badge on his chest.

Cass entered the Astronomy tower once more for class. Professor Nakamura soon greeted the class, and announced how there would be more notetaking. Next time would be more practical. That was fine. Cass did not really care that much about Astronomy, but would only work as much as he needed to. They were told the exact distance of an AU, which he wrote down. He might need it on the exam. It was too precise not to remember. A question was asked, but he did not know the answer, and then they were told what their homework would be. Cass had a fair bit of notes, so he gathered everything neatly and left. He could read the next chapter tomorrow.​