Intro To Observational Astronomy.pdf

Introduction to Observational Astronomy (Laboratory) Fall 2020
Instructor: Anna Engle, Email: [email protected], Office: Peterson Hall, Rm. 313
Office Hours (Zoom only): Wednesdays 1 - 3pm or by appointment
Meeting Time: 7:30 - 10:00pm, Sections: AST181-003 (Wednesdays), AST181-004 (Thursdays)
Location: Zoom / Physical Sciences (Building 19), Rm. 218
Pre- and co-requisites: AST180 or AST180H
Required Materials: pen/pencil, tablet, or other device suitable for sketching, digital camera or scanner
Course Description: introduction to observational astronomy, concentrating on the night sky and use of small telescopes
Course Objectives:
1. Point out basic stars and constellations
2. Use a small telescope to examine planets and other bright objects
3. Sketch daily and annual motions of the sun and other astronomical objects
4. Use computer programs to illustrate basic astronomical concepts
5. Use the method of scientific inquiry to explain observational phenomena
Course Structure: NAUFlex system, alternating between in-person and online instruction
Grading System:
Lab Reports: 60%
Weekly Quizzes: 20%
Final Quiz: 20%
Total: 100%
The instructor will drop the single lowest lab grade and the two lowest quiz grades.
Approximate grading scale: A ≥ 90%, B ≥ 80%, C ≥ 70%, D ≥ 60%
Make-ups: no make-up BLT laboratories, some indoor labs can be made up with prior permission.