Ever wanted to use a telescope to observe the sky?
Ever wanted to use computerised equipment worth thousands of dollars to take your own pictures of the sky?
Ever wondered what is the story behind those spectacular images that the Hubble Space Telescope produces?
Ever wondered how all of the latest astronomical discoveries fit into our general picture of the Universe?
Ever wondered what NASA and other space organisations are trying to learn with their latest space probes?
Ever wondered about the possibility of extra-terrestrial life and our chances of finding it?
Ever wanted to study a course with NO midterm exams to stress over and NO overpriced, superexpensive textbooks to buy? :-)
If you answered "yes" to ANY of the above questions, then Astronomy 102: Modern and Observational Astronomy is THE course for you!
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Astronomy 102 is no ordinary lab/science course. In it, you will explore the latest in robotic missions to solar system; the latest advances in cosmology and galactic astronomy; variable stars; and astrobiology and the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence. Astronomy is experiencing an explosion of new ideas and understanding of the cosmos and so now is an exciting time to study the universe. For example, 10 years ago we knew of no other planets than those of our own solar system; today we know of more than 200 planets around other stars! What are they like? How do these other solar systems compare to our own? Enroll in Astro 102 and find out!
The laboratory component of the course is devoted to learning how to operate computer-controlled telescopes and imaging equipment to take you own images of the sky, and how to process those images to produce your own spectacular colour images. You will also learn how to analyse those images to perform basic science. The best of the images and the results will be posted here on the course website for you to show off to the world!!
Click here to see images from 2006.To achieve all this, the college has an excellent observatory on campus housing the latest in telescopes and CCD imaging equipment. With this equipment, it is possible to obtain quite magnificent pictures of the universe despite all the light pollution in the area. Almost all of the images shown on this page were taken from the observatory.
Click here to get to the observatory page.The course does assume that you have some basic knowledge of astronomy, after all, it is not much point in discussing extra-galactic astronomy if you do not know what a galaxy is!!! Therefore to enrol, you must have completed Astronomy 101 or have permission from the course Instructor.
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Instructor: Dr. Maurice Clark, Room 3:24A Science East Contact: tel 301 279 5240 e-mail maurice.clark@montgomerycollege.edu Office Hours: Wednesday 3:00-5:00. Thursday 4.30-6.00 PM. These are the times when I will be available in my office for discussions on any problems you might be having with the course. You are also welcome to come up to my office at any other time, although I cannot guarantee to be available. Text: None prerequisites: Astronomy 101 or permission from the course Instructor |
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The lecture material is covered in a "Topic" format. That is, the lectures will be build around a number of topics. The fist section of the course will centre on the in latest solar system exploration. First with terrestrial planet exploration, then the Jovian planets, and finally small-body exploration. Then will come non-visual astronomy followed by variable stars and black holes. This will be followed by active galaxies and quasars, basic relativity, and then cosmology. The final topics are extra-solar planets and life in the universe. These topics will be covered primarily during the lectures on Mondays and Wednesdays. The Friday lecture periods will for the most part, be used to cover material for the laboratory sessions.
There is no assigned text for this course. However that does not mean that there are not things that you should read. If you still have your old AS 101 textbook you may find that useful for some background reading. I have also placed a number of books on closed reserve that you should make use of. There are also a number of very good internet resources that will be very helpful.
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Astronomy 102 is aimed at those who have an interest in astronomy and who would like to learn more about the latest discoveries. It is also aimed at anyone who
is interested in astronomy as a hobby. With this in mind, the following are the major points that I would hope you will gain from the course.
1. To become familiar with some of the latest planetary explorations and the rational behind the choosing of those particular missions.
2. To understand the importance of non-visual astronomy.
3. To obtain a greater understanding of the extreme bodies in the universe.
4. To become familiar with the latest theories on the origin and future history of the universe.
5. To be able to rationally discuss the possibilities of extra-terrestrial life and the search for it.
6. To gain confidence in your abilities to operate a computer-controlled telescope and imaging equipment, and to find objects in the sky.
7. To be able to use a CCD to take images of celestial objects and then process those images either as "pretty pictures" or analyse them scientifically.
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Essays |
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Indoor Labs |
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Observation Portfolio |
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Comprehensive Final Exam |
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Essays:
You will be required to write 3, 4-5 page essays during the course. A list of topics will be provided each time for you to choose from. In writing these essays, you
may use some material from the lectures, however most of your material must come from external
sources, which need to be acknowledged in standard format.
Indoor Labs:
The laboratory sessions will be conducted indoors whenever the weather is cloudy and possibly during the times of bright moon. These will be the times for you to process and analyse your images, and learn how to use the various software programs involved both for this, and for operating the telescopes and ancillary equipment. At the end of the lab, you will hand in a summary of the activities you undertook and their results.
Observing Sessions:
Whenever the weather is cooperative, the laboratory session will be conducted at the observatory. Keep in mind that during the winter months it can get quite cold at the observatory, so dress accordingly! Following an initial visual observing session to familiarise you with the telescope, subsequent observing sessions will be using the CCD cameras to image various celestial objects. During some imaging sessions, it may also be possible to spend some time visually observing the sky with other telescopes.
Observing Portfolio:
Is astronomy, just as with any science, recordkeeping is extremely important. This is what your observing portfolio is for. It is here that you keep a detailed diary of all your observations and their results. Periodically during the semester, you will be requested to hand this in so that it can be checked for completeness.
Final Exam:
This will be held during the normal final exam period and will cover all of the material discussed during the lectures.
Grading Criteria:
Here are my primary grading criteria for both the labs and the essays:
# Did you understand the point of the assignment? Does what you did make sense?
# Do your answers to "critical thinking" questions demonstrate that you have thought the question through logically?
# How well have the scientific skills we've covered prior to the assignment been incorporated?
# Did your work meet the purpose of the assignment? (for example, in an essay, did you clearly state your thesis and were you able to present your case in a clear and logical manner? Did you acknowledge your sources correctly?)
# Were the facts you stated in your work correct?
# Were your results communicated clearly? This may not be a writing class but good communication skills are important no matter what you do in your life. If I don't understand what you're saying I will have to assume you don't either. Poor grammar and spelling and illegibility will also count against you.
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