Heavenly Mathematics: Observing the Sun and the Moon from Different Parts of the World

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Heavenly MathematicsObserving the Sun and the
Moon from Different Parts of the World

• A/P Helmer Aslaksen
• Dept. of Mathematics
• National University of Singapore
• aslaksen_at_math.nus.edu.sg
• www.math.nus.edu.sg/aslaksen/

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General Education Modules at the National
University of Singapore

• Heavenly Mathematics Cultural Astronomy
• Mathematics in Art and Architecture
• Mathematics in Politics, Poker and Paradoxes

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Whats the goal of this talk?

• I learned a lot of fascinating stuff, both
  mathematics and general knowledge that Id love
  to share with you.
• Share some experiences from teaching these
  classes that may inspire you to offer the classes
  youve always wanted to teach!

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Where is Singapore?
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Content of astronomy course

• Basic astronomy from a hemispherically-correct
  view point.
• Calendars, with an emphasis on the four calendars
  in use in Singapore Gregorian, Chinese, Muslim
  and Indian.
• Navigation.

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Motion of the Sun and the Moon
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Where does the Sun set?
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Orbit of the Moon around the Sun
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The mathematics of the Singapore flag
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Analemma picture
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Globe
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Close-up
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Eccentricity
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Why does obliquity matter?
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Obliquity
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Combined effect
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Analemma
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Rising and setting analemma