arXiv subjects

José Ricra

Publications and source records attributed to José Ricra.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2024

CosmoAmautas: Astrophysics in the high school classroom (2nd edition)

We present the second edition of the book `CosmoAmautas: Astrophysics in the classroom' which is a text and activity book on selected topics in astrophysics. The content is written in Spanish and intended as the introductory literature and material for high school teachers who want to integrate astronomy to their science and math classes. The book includes an introduction to topics such as planetary science, stellar evolution, exoplanets, galaxies, black holes, and cosmology. In addition to the astronomy content, the book includes didactic notes on general physics of gravity and light, unit conversion, history of science, and tools for the digital classroom (ICT tools), which are compatible with the requirements of the Peruvian high school curriculum. This book is constructed based on the astrophysics curriculum and education model introduced in the online teacher-training workshop CosmoAmautas, which took place in 2021 and 2022. CosmoAmautas (amauta = teacher in the Quechua language) is an astronomy education project in Peru, funded by the IAU Office of Astronomy for Development. For more information, please visit www.cosmoamautas.org.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2021

The River and the Sky: Astronomy and Topography in Caral Society, America's First Urban Centers

America's first urban centres were allegedly located at the Supe Valley sites in Peru. After investigating the location and the orientation of the main built structures, we show that it is not only the presence of the River Supe that determines their orientation but also astronomical relationships within the orientation of the buildings dictate their setting within the valley. The southernmost position of moonrise on the horizon seems to be the most important astronomical target. There is the possibility of an evolution toward attributing greater importance to the June solstice sunrise and the rising of certain stars or asterisms. These orientations could elate to specific moments throughout the year, in particular to seasonal rains, subsequent river flooding, and agricultural cycles. This is one of the earliest examples of the interaction of land- and skyscapes in human cultures and indeed the first in the Americas.

physics.hist-ph↗

arXiv2015

UNI Astronomical Observatory - OAUNI: First light

We show the actual status of the project to implement the Astronomical Observatory of the National University of Engineering (OAUNI), including its first light. The OAUNI was installed with success at the site of the Huancayo Observatory on the peruvian central Andes. At this time, we are finishing the commissioning phase which includes the testing of all the instruments: optical tube, robotic mount, CCD camera, filter wheel, remote access system, etc. The first light gathered from a stellar field was very promissory. The next step will be to start the scientific programs and to bring support to the undergraduate courses in observational astronomy at the Faculty of Sciences of UNI.

astro-ph.IM↗