Getting to know your plate
These resources relate to the SDSS plates, with activities you can do to engage with and better understand the information contained on them.
APOGEE vs BOSS
There are different plates for different surveys, this document will show a comparison of plates from both APOGEE and BOSS/eBOSS so that you can work out which survey your plate is from.
What Have You Got on Your Plate?
Whether you are using your plate in a classroom or planetarium, you will want to know how to find information about the objects on your poster.
BOSS/eBOSS Plate Resources
BOSS/eBOSS Plate Packet Introduction
An explanation of how the SDSS-III BOSS data can be extrapolated into a three-dimensional map of galactic distribution by understanding redshift.
Anatomy of a BOSS/eBOSS Plate
Describes the purpose and meaning of each element of an SDSS aluminum targeting plate.
SDSS Constellations on a BOSS/eBOSS Plate
Entry-level activity using the plate holes to create new constellations based on the brightest objects observed in a plate (aimed at pupils 8-12 years old).
Locating Objects on Your BOSS/eBOSS Plate
Finding the drill hole for a given object using X,Y coordinates of the object. To get the x and y coordinates of the brightest objects, go to the constellations activity linked above.
SDSS Locating Drill Holes Using a Poster
Offers two methods of matching holes on an SDSS plate with their corresponding astronomical objects to allow for further exploration.
Interactive Distance Display Using a BOSS/eBOSS Plate
Instructions on using your plate to create a 3D classroom display that explores the distances to astronomical objects. (Aimed at pupils aged 11 through 17, but adaptable for all age groups)
BAO Activity
A presentation and classroom activity illustrating how the SDSS-III BOSS and SDSS-IV eBOSS surveys are using measurements of galaxy clustering to test theoretical models of the expansion history of the universe.
APOGEE Plate Resources
APOGEE Plate Packet Introduction
An explanation of the aims of the APOGEE survey and how the plates are used to learn more about our galaxy.
Anatomy of an APOGEE South Plate
Describes the purpose and meaning of each element of an SDSS aluminum targeting plate.
SDSS Constellations Using an APOGEE Plate
Entry-level activity using the plate holes to create new constellations based on the brightest objects observed in a plate (aimed at pupils 8-12 years old).
Locating Objects on an APOGEE Plate
Finding the drill hole for a given object using X,Y coordinates of the star. To get the x and y coordinates of the brightest stars, go to the constellations activity linked above.
Other Activities
SDSS Plate Carrier Sling
A guide to constructing your own sling in order to simplify the transportation of individual plates.
Make an SDSS CD Spectroscope
Make your own spectroscope using simple household materials and use it to measure the spectra of common light sources.
BAO Activity 2015
A presentation and classroom activity illustrating how the SDSS-III BOSS and SDSS-IV eBOSS surveys are using measurements of galaxy clustering to test theoretical models of the expansion history of the universe.
SDSS Locating Drill Holes
Offers two methods of matching holes on an SDSS plate with their corresponding astronomical objects to allow for further exploration.
Plate Packet Introduction
An explanation of how the SDSS-III BOSS data can be extrapolated into a three-dimensional map of galactic distribution by understanding redshift.
SDSS Locating Objects Online
Describes how to access and use the SDSS plate catalog and the Navigate tool to relate corresponding SDSS plate holes with their astronomical object strictly utilizing the internet.
Workshop Resources
This is a catalog of resources which may be helpful for coordinating and organizing your own workshop on SDSS plates, such as accompanying documents and example schedules.
A brief document shipped alongside every SDSS aluminum targeting plate and a matching poster of the image data taken using the plate.
Spectroscopic Plate Certificate
Official certificate awarded along with an SDSS targeting plate.
Sample Agenda for Plate Workshop (1)
Emphasis on other ability learners.
Sample Agenda for Plate Workshop (2)
Emphasis on interacting with SkyServer.
Sample Agenda for Plate Workshop (3)
Emphasis on Voyages activities.