National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Situation:

The Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer relays a lot of data about pulsars to Earth. Below is a table of data from X-ray pulsars. A pulsar is a very quickly rotating star made up of neutrons; they emit radiation in short, regular bursts. Pulsars that emit X-ray radiation are called X-ray pulsars.

Problem:

Your task is to answer the following questions that relate to the data below.

PART 1

1) Plot and label the data above on a Cartesian coordinate plane. Be sure to include the scale of each axis on your graph. 2) Compare your graph with your group members. What differences do you see, and why do those differences exist? 3) From your graph, was there any information that was not needed? If so, what was it? 4) List the independent and dependent values from the graph or table. 5) On another Cartesian scatterplot graph, interchange the domain and range. Then make a new graph. From this new graph which quadrant was omitted? 6)In your group, choose the best graphs from question 1 and 5. On another sheet of graph paper combine your graphs. Label each axis of your graph. Discuss in your group the appropriate scale for the domain and range. Display your scale on your graph. 7) From the list of data, what number set do the numbers represent?

Optional:

8) Draw the line of best fit.

9) Count the number of data points above the line and below the line. Explain why all of the points plotted do not lie on the line and what the line represents in terms of the data points.

PART 2

1) Plot and label the data above on an Aitoff projection map.

2) Compare and contrast the two graphs. 3) What information is given on the Cartesian plane that is not on the Aitoff projection?

Assessment Question:

Pretend you were explaining in detail, the steps for graphing data on a Cartesian and Aitoff projection map to your six year-old sibling. Include examples. You may show a table or graph or equation to support your ideas.

Back to the "Graphing with RXTE" activity.