The quality of smartphone cameras has improved so far that it is possible to capture stars, planets, and the International Space Station (ISS). Inspired by the usage of a tablet in introductory astronomy presented by Gill and Burin,1 an approach to astronomy where students use smartphones to perform astronomical measurements themselves will be presented.
If one considers that astronomical observations mark the beginning of the scientific consideration of our environment for humankind2 and that events such as the landing of NASA's Spirit rover still produce wide echoes in the media, it appears strange that astronomy plays such a small role in physics curricula today. For example, astronomical knowledge can help to solve intriguing riddles in history, art, and literature or deepen our understanding of the latter (for examples, see the work of Olson3 and Huth4). Therefore, astronomy can serve as a topic for projects across...
