Observational Astronomy Astronomy 25 Notes and … Astronomy Astronomy 25 Notes and Labs Bob Sackett Saddleback College Second edition 2000 0 -2 Astronomy Courses Offered at Saddleback

Observational Astronomy Observational Astronomy Astronomy 25Astronomy 25

Notes and LabsNotes and Labs

Bob SackettSaddleback College Second edition

2000

0-2

Astronomy Courses Offered at Saddleback College

• Astronomy 20 - General Astronomy– Survey/Lecture course

• Astronomy 21 - Solar System– Geology of the solar system

• Astronomy 25 - Observational Astronomy– Laboratory course in observational astronomy

• Astronomy 30 - Astrophotography– Laboratory course in astrophotography

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Observational AstronomyThe Course

• Study methods used to gather data on Astronomical objects.– Perform simple labs– Discuss advanced observational methods

• Lab write-ups and the scientific method

Emphasis Labs

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Observational Astronomy SitesEmphasis is on Observing Objects

• Science/Math Roof

• Casper’s Park - Ortega Highway

• Anza Borrego

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Light Pollution

• Light pollution washes-out the sky– Cannot see dim objects like galaxies– Limited viewing

• Sources of light pollution– Artificial lights– Moon

• We take field trips to escape local light pollution

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Equipment Available for Student Use

10X 8” SCT telescopes2X 16” Newtonian Telescopes

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Solar Observatory

• Live images displayed weekly

• 16” Computer-controlled telescope

• Used in Astronomy Classes

• Planets and Moon

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Observational AstronomySchedule

• 7-9 p.m.– Lecture

• 9-11 p.m.– Lab

• Schedule is weather-dependent• We do not always follow the schedule• 16.6 hours TBA:

– Anza Borrego field trip or– Alternate lab project

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Syllabus

• Course overview• Prerequisites - none• Required materials

– Observational Astronomy notes (On-line)– Planisphere– Norton’s Star Atlas– Flashlight with red filter (a must)

• Optional materials– Telescope– Binoculars– Home or school computers– Chair (field trips)

Bookstore

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Observational AstronomyGrades

Midterm 15%Final 15%Labs 60%Participation and attendance 10%

• Labs due one week after assignment• Loss of one grade each week late

Labs

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Lab Formats

• Formal write-ups (must be typed)– Purpose– Theory– Procedure– Data– Analysis– Conclusion– Procedural errors– Procedural improvements

• Not all labs require write-ups– Worksheets or exercise

• Formal write-ups must be typed

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MiscellaneousTerms and Conditions

VII. On-Site Labs (Notes and Reminders)

• Smoking is not permitted on the roof of the S/M building while we are observing.• All college rules and policies are in effect on all field trips (Ortega and Anza Borrego).

VIII. Off-Site Labs (Notes and Reminders)

• As a courtesy to other people, smoking is not permitted near the telescopes.

• College policy does not allow students to bring guests on official college field trips.

• Students who drive themselves are responsible for paying the required parking and camping fees. Please observe all park regulations and note the maximum number of cars allowed at each campsite.

• Every attempt is made to predict weather conditions at the site. However, these weather predictions are approximate at best. We may experience overcast skies at the site. In this event, we will wait for a reasonable time for the skies to clear. If the skies do not clear, the class will be dismissed. The “reasonable” time will depend on the current weather conditions.

These are official College field trips. All College rules and policies that apply in the classroom also apply in the field. Consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages is against College policy.

An Overview of the Universe

The Scale of the Cosmos

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The EarthWhere are You?

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Earth and Moon SystemOur Backyard

240,000 miles (350,000 km)

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The Solar System(not to scale)

93 million mi150 million km

1 AU

1 Astronomical Unit = 93 million miles

Sun

Ven

us

Ear

th

Mar

s

Jupi

ter

Satu

rn

Ura

nus

Nep

tune

Plu

to

Mer

cury

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Scale of the Solar System

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Milky Way GalaxyContains Gas, Dust and Stars

1 LY = distance light travels in 1 year = 1 trillion km

Sun

ProximaCentauri

4 trillion km(4.2 light years)

us

100,000 L.Y. across

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Milky Way Belongs to the Universe Over 50 Billion Galaxies

Milky Way

Andromeda Galaxy

2.25 million light years

Most distant galaxies = 100 million - 1 billion LY

15 billion light years

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The Andromeda GalaxyClosest Galaxy: 2.25 Million Light Years

universe

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Course Overview

• First half - lay the foundation– Constellations: Find objects– Telescopes: Tools used by astronomers– Coordinates: Find unseen objects

• Second half– Moon and solar system– Stars– Unusual stars– Deep sky objects– Cosmology - study of the universe.