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Introduction to Astronomical Observations


Course Description

How to use small astronomical telescopes and reduce data gathered at the telescope. This is an introduction to observational astronomy for Physics and Astronomy majors.


Athena Title

Intro Astronomical Observation


Equivalent Courses

Not open to students with credit in ASTR 1110L, ASTR 1120L


Non-Traditional Format

Students will spend ten hours at the telescope and twenty hours in data reduction during the semester.


Pre or Corequisite

ASTR 1110 or ASTR 1120 or ASTR 1110H or ASTR 1120H


Semester Course Offered

Offered fall and spring


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

Students will be able to operate a telescope to gather astronomical observations. Students will be able to reduce astronomical observations and draw valid scientific conclusions from them.


Topical Outline

Depending on the seasonal availability, four of the following projects will be done. 1. Astrophotography of Planets, Clusters, Nebulae and Galaxies 2. Astrometry of a Star Cluster and Scale of the Telescope 3. Double Stars 4. The Color Gradient of a Globular Cluster 5. The Height of Lunar Mountains 6. Jupiter's Satellites 7. Asteroids 8. Eclipsing Binary Stars


General Education Core

CORE II: Physical Sciences

Syllabus