1. Introduction
This laboratory is intended
to expose students in primarily academic (non-SE, although SE students are
welcome) disciplines to astronomical observing techniques using small
telescopes. In addition, students will learn about the constellations,
bright stars, and motions of the Earth and sun, moon, and planets. But
the real excitement of the lab is the experience of observing astronomical objects
through telescopes for the first time; it is an experience that will remain
with you though out the rest of your life!
Note that all students enrolled are expected to have some knowledge of
astronomy, preferably haven taken (or enrolled in) Astr 100, 201, or 202.
The lab is structured around
students doing two projects: The first is the introductory (fun) lab
“Observing the Night Sky” which will introduce you to the stars and
constellations of the September sky as well as viewing the moon, star clusters,
nebulae, and galaxies with our computerized 16inch telescope at the campus
observatory. Jupiter is visible in the evening sky in September (as well
as Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto with a telescope) For insomniacs we will
have some early morning viewing sessions to look at Saturn (really worth
getting up for…!), Venus, and Mars (and maybe even Mercury). . You
will also become acquainted with a night-sky planetarium program called “The
Sky” (which we use to find objects with the big scope).
The second project, which is
the “core” of the lab and is to be done between mid-term and the last day of
classes, is to learn how to set up a small computerized “go-to” telescope and
find various types of astronomical objects. You will also have the option
(for extra credit) of using “The Sky” software to control the
finding of objects and pointing of the telescope (just like we do with the
16inch and bigger telescopes). You will have 24/7 access to one of
the telescopes + laptop and are encouraged to take it out to a dark site
outside
The work load
will be (no more than) about 2-3 hours per week: A two-hour observing session
(if the weather permits) + a few 1-hour class meetings and lectures (mostly in
September).
2. Prof & Texbook
Professor: Dr. Reginald J. Dufour
Office: Rm. 346 Herman Brown Hall
Telephone: X3348 (713-254-1476 cellular)
Email: rjd@rice.edu
Office Hours:
Textbook: “How
to Use a Computerized Telescope”
By
M. A. Covington © 2002 by Cambridge Univ. Press (relatively
inexpensive @ $35)
Software/Workbook: “The Sky Workbook” (with CD-Rom)
by T. Jordan and S. Peters © 2002 Brooks/Cole (~$30)
It is suggested that you buy
a flashlight with a red filter (available at Wal-Mart, Academy, etc.) and
a small lab notebook for taking notes while observing. Come prepared…!
Lab Web Site: http://galaxy.rice.edu/~rjd/astr221.html
You should routinely check
this site for announcements, etc. This is very important given that we do
not have weekly meetings after September. Checking the site on Mondays is
the preferred procedure for learning about lab matters for the week ahead.
3. Schedule
September to mid-October
Students will do the introductory lab (“Observing the Night Sky”)
and we will have several lectures on the celestial sphere, telescopes, and
observing techniques, including using “The Sky” software.
Most observing will be done at the campus observatory, but two or more Sunday
night trips to George Observatory will be arranged in late September and early
October. During cloudy (assigned) nights you should explore the “virtual
night sky” using “The Sky” software on a Windows computer (no
Apple OS version is available at present)
A write-up report on the
first lab will be due by mid-term (October 12th).
Mid-October through
November:
This is the “prime” weather (usually!) observing season whereby you will learn
how to set up and use a small, computerized telescope (either a Meade ETX125
and/or ETX105) to automatically find and observe a variety of astronomical
objects. What you will be learning here in the “Using a
Computerized Telescope” lab are the same
procedures we use with the big 16inch telescope (as well as the giant
professional telescopes).
The second lab requires at
least two observing sessions; one with Dr. Dufour or a TA to learn how to set
up and use the ETX telescope and a second “final exam” on-your-own observing
session where you are expected to set up and use an ETX telescope without
outside help. A narrative-type writeup on this will be due the last day
of classes (Friday, December 7th).
4. Grade
The
grading system is points-guaranteed:
>100
= Å+
90+
= Å- or higher
80-89
= B- to B+
70-79
= C- to C+
60+
for a pass (D- or higher)
<60
no way…I’ll probably suggest you drop if I see you are heading this way in
early November.
Lab Values:
Observing the Night Sky: up
to 50 points + up to 5 points extra credit for observing at a dark site
Introduction to
Telescopes & Observing: up to 50 points + up to 10 points extra credit for
observing at a dark site and using the laptop to control the telescope.
**How to screw-up
and flunk this fun lab:
Don’t show up for your assigned lab nights when the
weather is good. (deadlines are strictly enforced!)
NOTE!è Mother Nature gives us limited (~25%) good weather in
the Fall and if you guide your efforts by personal convenience rather than by
what opportunities the weather gives you, you are doomed to being disappointed
and likely have a poor grade.
Students
with any disabilities that they feel may impact their ability to perform the
required work for this laboratory should discuss this with Dr. Dufour (who,
BTW, has a hearing disability). We will try to adjust the observing
requirements appropriately and provide any special assistance desired.