ASTR_2011 Introduction to Observational Astronomy

1. ASTR_2011Introduction to Observational Astronomy Dr. J. Allyn Smith Office: SSC B-329 Phone: 221-6104 Hours: MWF 1000-1100; MW 1430-1530 or by Appt. E-mail: smithj@apsu.edu(Do not use D2L mail) Website: www.apsu.edu/astronomy Class Meeting Time: Wednesday 1835 – 2115

2. Constellations Test During the semester you will be required to learn the locations of 25 constellations and 30 named stars in the planetarium. The planetarium test is an up or down test, no partial credit. The last day to take the test is Thursday December 12.

3. Observing Log • You will be require to keep a logbook of your observations. The logbook will be collected three times during the semester and at the end of the semester. It will be graded for completeness and number of entries. You should have entries for each observing lab as well as any observations you make outside of class • Every log entry should include • Date and time of observation • Instrument used (including focal length or f/ratio) • Magnification • Description of the object observed

4. Observing Labs There will be at least five observing labs during the semester. Some of the labs will be completed in a single night while others may take observations over several weeks to complete. Each observing lab will require a formal write-up and at least one lab will require a short oral presentation.

5. Homework Homework will be assigned occasionally via handouts.

6. Project The semester project is to observe and properly log at least 45 Messier objects. The observations can be done during regular observing lab nights or on your own. Some of the objects can be observed with binoculars while others will require a telescope. You will be requires to give a short oral presentation on the objects you observed during the final exam period Wednesday December 11.

7. Observing Nights • Part of the requirements for the introductory astronomy classes is to attend a 1st Quarter Observing Night. You will serve as set-up and take-down for those nights. The three nights are • Thursday September 12 @ 8:30 PM • Thursday October 10 @ 7:30 PM • Tuesday November 12 @ 7:30 PM • We will meet at the astronomy equipment storage room approximately 45 minutes prior to the start time.

8. Observing Nights - 2 • There are also 6 planned Dark night observing sessions (listed in the syllabus). These are subject to weather cancellations. Helping at these will be treated as extra-credit , otherwise we lose too many nights. • We will meet at the observatory approximately 45 minutes prior to the start time. • After the classes leave, since the equipment is set up, this is a good time to do observing.

9. The Celestial Sphere A useful fiction but it has its limitations

10. Spherical Coordinates The angle f is the latitude while the angle l is the longitude

11. Alt-Az Coordinates The Alt-Az coordinates are tied to your locale. Azimuth is the angle around from due north and altitude is the angle above the horizon.

12. Celestial Equatorial Coordinates • (Right Ascention) is the angle around from the Vernal Equinox • d (Declination) is the angle above (+) or below (-) the celestial equator

13. Ecliptic Coordinates Useful for specifying the positions and orbits of objects within the solar system

14. Galactic Coordinates Useful for galactic orbit calculations. Many sky survey star maps use galactic coordinates

15. Announcements • Next week: Dark Night Observing on Wed. 9/4. (Wx permitting) • Physics & Astronomy Department picnicFriday (9/6) at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds at 4:00pm

16. The Class • Is designed to be fun while you learn the basics of observational astronomy. • Goals: • Setting up/ taking down telescopes • Using telescopes and binoculars • Coordinate systems • Finding your way around the sky.