Physics 380
Observational Astronomy
Spring 2005

Ivers 166, 7:00 - 9:30p, M

Links

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The Class
Welcome to Observational Astronomy!  Here we will study the techniques needed to observe the cosmos using your naked eye, binoculars, and telescopes.  In studying these techniques, you will learn the basic motions of the celestial sphere, phases of the moon, how to use a star map and planisphere, practical observing techniques, the workings of binoculars and telescopes, and much more.  Oh, and constellations.  You will have to know your constellations.

This is a “hands-on” class.  The only real way to learn to point a telescope at a faint fuzzy in the sky is to try it several times before you succeed.  If you pay attention and try everything until you get it right, you will leave this course with knowledge you can use for the rest of your life (amaze your family and friends!).

Course Structure
Most of what we do in this course and when we do it will depend on the weather.  There will be no set schedule as to what will be covered in class.  Instead, we will cover the following topics (in roughly this order):

The Celestial Sphere – the motions of everything as they appear from Earth.
Finding your Way – Using maps and such to find stuff.
Naked Eye Astronomy – No instruments necessary!
Binocular Astronomy – After all, binoculars are just two small telescopes strapped together.
Telescope Astronomy – Now we’re cooking.
Advanced Techniques – As time and skills allow.

We will be going over to the MSUM planetarium at least once or twice to study celestial motions and the constellations.  We will also go outside as much as possible, especially as soon as it gets warm enough.  It is a good idea to come to class prepared to go outside (i.e. dress warmly!). Near the end of the semester, we may have to meet later in the evening, as the sun won’t go down until halfway through class.

Please try not to miss a class.  Doing so is like missing a full week of a MWF course, and any activities will be extremely hard for you to make up.

Homework and Tests
Over the course of the semester, there will be a few homework assignments, quizzes, and in-class activities.  There will be a mid-semester test (based on terminology, constellations, and map reading) and a final.  You will also be required to do observations using the equipment at the observatory.  You final grade will break down as follows: Mid-Sem and Final Test – 30% (15% each); Observations – 40%;  Homework, quizzes, activities – 30%.  

Course Policies
No late homework will be accepted.  If you know in advance you will be gone on a day when it is due, it must be turned in before you go.

You may make up activities and tests, if you have a really good excuse.  These include extended illness, family deaths, and school activities such as school-sanctioned sports or music activities.  I may require documentation of any of this at my discretion.  If you will be gone for an official school activity, you must inform me before the fact so that arrangements can be made as soon as possible, and tests must be taken before you leave. Make-ups will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Cheating is bad, in a big way.  The policies of the college regarding this are outlined in “Academic Integrity at Concordia College,” which you are expected to have read.  Cheating and plagiarism (copying someone's work and handing it is as your own) are fairly easy to detect, and will be dealt with according to the policies set down by Concordia College.  Once again, I encourage you to work together on homework, as long as each person turns in their own work, in their own words.  I also encourage group studying, as more brains focused on a subject will do everyone in the group much more good.  Tests and quizzes are individual efforts.

I encourage all of you to seek help if you need it.  The earlier you do so, the better.  My office hours are listed above, and my schedule is posted on my office door.  I am generally there from 8:30-4:30 everyday, and my door is usually open (unless of course I’m in another class, meeting, or lab).  The worst time to see me is the 15 minutes before class or around lunchtime, especially if it’s about homework due shortly.

The final letter grade will be loosely based on the following scale:
 93 – 100% A
 90 – 92% A-
 87 – 89% B+
 83 – 86% B
 80 – 82% B-
 77 – 79% C+
 73 – 76% C
 70 – 72% C-
 67 – 69% D+
 63 – 66% D
 60 – 62% D-
 Under 60% F

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