Astronomy 25 Observational Astronomy
Course Syllabus for Fall 1999
Dr. Jennifer TAN
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This laboratory course is designed to provide students a working knowledge of astronomical instruments and techniques. Students will use telescopes provided by the college as well as other instrumentation to observe and study the moon, planets, stars, binary and multiple stars, star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. Some experiments will be conducted to provide an understanding of the fundamental concepts in astronomy.
Field trips will be required to perform observations.
COURSE OUTLINE
1. The Physics of Light
A. Electromagnetic Spectrum
B. Stefan Boltzmann Law, Wien’s Law, Planck’s Law
C. Measurement of the intensity of light
D. Verification of the Inverse Square Law
2. Optics and Telescopes
A. Fundamentals of Optics
B. Fundamentals of Telescopes
C. Construction of Refracting and Reflecting Telescopes
D. Telescope Accessories and Telescope Mounts
3. Spectroscopy
A. Light quanta, Emission/absorption lines, Continuous Spectra
B. Measurement of Spectra and Verification of Bohr’s Model of Hydrogen
C. Stellar spectroscopy
4. The Celestial Sphere
A. Coordinate systems
B. Sidereal, Solar and Lunar Time
C. Night Sky Observations of Stars and Constellations
5. The Sun, Moon and Solar System Objects
A. Sunspots
B. Lunar Surface Features
C. Lunar phases
D. Eclipses
E. Observations of Planets and their Natural Satellites
6. Stars
A. Measurement of Stellar Characteristics
B. Binary and Multiple Stars
C. Variable Stars
7. Deep Sky Objects
A. Open Star Clusters
B. Nebulae
C. Galaxies
METHODS OF EVALUATION
1. Final examination
2. Mid-term test
3. Quizzes
4. Laboratory projects and reports
5. Participation in observational sessions
REQUIRED MATERIAL
1. Bound quadrille note book or 3 ring binder
2. Calculator (preferably scientific calculator)
3. Starfinder e.g. Astrorama
4. "Introductory Astronomy Exercises" by Dale C. Ferguson
COURSE SCHEDULE
From August 24, 1999 to December 14, 1999
Location : Room B311
Meeting Times : 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. , Tuesdays
Final Exam : December 14, 1999 at 5:15 p.m.
Field Trip : at Ansa Observatory. Date to be announced,
Attendance is mandatory
ABSENCES
Please consult me if you know ahead of any absences.
In case of absences, please obtain missed notes, assignments and announcements from classmates.
You must consult me if you are going to miss a lab, test or assignment.
OFFICE HOURS
Please arrange with me for specific times to meet with you if there is any need.
Office for part-time staff is in Room B262. Messages can be left at my voice mail box :
451-5462 box no. 78013# and I will return your call as soon as possible. You can send e-mail to me at jennifertan@yahoo.com
GRADING
Final Exam ............................................................... 25 %
Mid-Term ................................................................. 15 %
Quizzes .................................................................. 10 %
Lab Projects and Reports .......................................... 30 %
Field Trip Observations ...........................................20 %
Grade Classification
A = 85.0 to 100.0 %
B = 70.0 to 84.9 %
C = 55.0 to 69.9 %
D = 40.0 to 54.9 %
F = 0.0 to 39.9 %
STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR DROPPING THE CLASS BEFORE THE DUE DATES. A GRADE " F" COULD BE GIVEN TO STUDENTS WHO FAIL TO DO SO.
CHEATING
This is absolutely not tolerated.
Work that is duplicated word from word or heavily borrowed in context is considered as cheating. A grade of ZERO will be given for that assignment.
Scantron tests that are identical may be considered as cheating and may warrant
"F" grade in the course. Academic dishonesty will be reported and documented and
may result in a record in your transcripts.
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THAT EACH LAB ACTIVITY OR EXERCISE IS INITIALED BEFORE LEAVING CLASS.