{Astronomy 111: Observational Astronomy Laboratory Spring, 2001}

Astronomy 111: Observational Astronomy Laboratory Fall, 2001

Announcements

Class time now 8:00-9:30. Shuttle pick up at 7:45....

Shuttle Information

The shuttle picks up at lot DD at 7:15. Lot DD is the small lot on the East end of the CSS building. The sign for Lot DD at its entrance is where the shuttle will stop. If the shuttle has not arrived by 7:20~7:25 you can call 4-CALL and talk to the dispatch to have a shuttle sent.

Directions

Observatory

Room CSS 0201, near lot DD, across from the Regents parking garage.

Weather Links

Maryland Weather

5 day forecast

DC weather and satellite

Syllabus

Kevin Walsh
0101 Tuesdays 7:30-9:30pm
0201 Wednesdays 7:30-9:30pm
Office Hours: by appointment
Office: CSS 0224
Email: kwalsh@astro.umd.edu
Textbook: Astronomy 111: Laboratory Manual

The Class
Astronomy 111 is a single-credit laboratory class that is intended to supplement the Astronomy 100 lecture class. You \emph{must} be enrolled in Astr 100 this semester to receive CORE lab science credit for Astr 111. The goals of this class are to achieve an understanding of how an astronomer works by actually doing astronomy as well as to develop an appreciation and ability for naked eye and backyard astronomy.
The Work
Completing all of the labs will require you to do work both in and out of class. The in-class observations will often require the use of a telescope. The out-of-class observations are typically naked eye labs. Do not forget the independent labs! Throughout the course of the semester, you should be aware of how far along in each assignment you should be since you will likely be working on several projects at a time. The labs \emph{do not} require a large time commitment if you budget your time effectively.
Class Time
Astr 111 is scheduled to meet from 7:30 to 9:30 once a week. Since observing depends on the weather, we may agree to remain at the Observatory for additional time to take advantage of the favorable observing conditions with the agreement that on nights when the sky is cloudy, we may discontinue the class somewhat earlier than the scheduled time.
Lab Write-Ups
The lab summaries need to be complete, but concise. Answers must be written in complete sentences so that both you and I understand what you are writing. Please write neatly or type. I cannot give credit to an answer I cannot read. Plus, it is an unfortunate fact of life that a neater answer looks more correct. Make sure that you demonstrate in your write up what you have learned and not simply report the banal.
Grading
Your semester grade will be based on two independent labs, a number of weekly labs (It depends on the weather.), and your observing log book. The log book and independent labs are due at the last class meeting, and the weekly labs are due one week after each is completed.
All labs will be graded using a numerical point system and are worth equal amounts. You must complete all of the scheduled labs, as well as two of the ``independent'' labs. The lab summaries should be turned in one week after we complete the lab in class. Lab summaries turned in after the scheduled due date will be penalized three to fifteen points out of fifteen.
You must also staple your lab. An unstapled lab will receive a two point deduction. You must also maintain an observing log book. This book will contain all of the observations that you've made for the independent labs during the semester. You \emph{cannot} turn in your lab manual as your observing log book.
Quizzes/Exams
There will be no midterm exam and no final exam, but I may occasionally give unannounced quizes to test certain concepts and your knowledge of the constellations.
Supplies
Astr 111 lab manual, observing log book, celestial planisphere, pen or pencil, flashlight (required), clipboard (suggested). VERY IMPORTANT: after completing the ``Naked Eye Observing'' lab, we will use the telescopes on every evening that the skies are clear, regardless of the temperature. It may be cold on some of these nights, so you must remember to bring warm clothes! If we are outside during mosquito season, be prepared for that as well.
Open House
The Astronomy Department hosts an open house at the Observatory on the 5th and 20th of every month. These open house events will occupy the Observatory \emph{during our regular class time} on Tuesday February 5th, Wednesday February 20th, Tuesday March 5th and Wednesday March 20th. Therefore, you will meet in CSS 0201 on these dates.
Absences
If you have to miss a class, you should notify me of your absence before the scheduled class time (preferrably be e-mail). Acceptable excuses for missing a class are given in the Schedule of Classes. Know that making up a lab is difficult, if not impossible, but it may be possible for you to join the ``other'' Astr 111 class to complete a lab that you missed. Simply showing up at the other section without arranging it with me ahead of time, however, is unacceptable. If you miss a class, your options are (1) Do an extra independent lab to take the place of the missed lab--you may only do one extra independent lab; (2) If you are excused from missing the lab, the missed lab will not count for you; (3) You may rely on luck--meaning that it is possible, if unlikely, that you may join in with the other section when it is doing the same lab. I offer the last option only out of the generosity that my patience and convenience allow. Do not rely on the other section's doing the lab you missed; it may never do it!
Advice
If you have questions about what is going on, please ask me. If you are having difficulty answering questions in the lab, email me so that I can address problems that you are having.
Academic Honesty
You agreed to abide by the Code of Academic Integrity when you accepted admission to the University of Maryland. Therefore, acts of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. The Fall 2000 Schedule of Classes, defines cheating, fabrication, facilitating academic dishonesty and plagiarism. If you are unfamiliar with these terms, please review these definitions. The bottom line is---for \emph{all} assignments, \emph{do your own work.} You are encouraged to discuss your homework with your classmates, but you must express all answers in your own words.