Physical Science 111: Course Syllabus

Physical Science 111: Observing Objectives

Physical Science 111: Laboratory Syllabus

The Solar System and Exploration of the Universe, the two undergraduate level astronomy courses offered at Eastern University, are two of our most challenging and thought-provoking classes. Both classes have a laboratory credit, which allows students to use The Bradstreet Observatory. (insert current syllabus here).

Objectives

There is no teacher like experience, and this lab gives the student a first hand, close-up contact with the universe they are studying. As a result of serious effort in this lab, the student will gain a good working knowledge of telescopes, observing techniques, location of major constellations,  CCD astrophotography, computerized image enhancement, and other related astronomical subjects.

Responsibility

The major portion of your observing will be done on the McInnis Rooftop Observatory. This professional facility contains state-of-the-art telescopes and auxiliary equipment. Any student found willfully abusing any equipment will be expelled from the Lab and receive an F for the Lab grade. Any students mishandling equipment will be liable for its replacement. No visitors are allowed with the group unless previously authorized by the professor. The group using the equipment is responsible for its safety. There is to be a maximum of three students per telescope, not including the Lab Assistant.

Schedule of Labs and Assignments

Because we have "only" two telescopes, students are asked to work in groups of two or three. These groups may be "permanent" (i.e., you always work together) or you may sign up individually on the network Observing Calendar and other class members may also sign up for the same time and you will work together on your projects. The first person to sign up for a night has priority in deciding what is to be done by the group on that night. The major goal(s) of that person should be written on the Observing Calendar so that other students needing to perform that project will know what is being planned (i.e., general observing, CCD photography, solar observing, moon shots, planet shots, extra credit work, etc.). When you sign up on the Observing Calendar specify which telescope (North or South) you want to use. Two groups may work in the Observatory simultaneously. You should also put your phone number next to your name so that you can be reached if there is a problem.

Observing Calendar

Individuals or groups are responsible for signing up on the Observing Calendar, located on the University Computer Network, for the particular night(s) they desire to observe. You should only sign up for at most one night a week, and please don't sign up for every Tuesday night for the next three months as that shuts out others for whom Tuesday nights may be the only night they can work. You should only sign up for about one month in advance. The phase of the moon will also be indicated on the calendar. The best time to visually observe is one week before and after new moon, and moon photos are best four days before and after 1st quarter.

If you sign up for a night and it is mostly cloudless that night, you must take advantage of it and observe. Clear nights are far too infrequent to waste. If the night you signed up for is mostly cloudy, then you do not have to show up in the Observatory that night. The Lab Assistants (LA's) will also be signing up for particular nights to be on duty. In this way you will know which Lab Assistant will be working with you that night in case you need to contact them about meeting times, etc.