Astronomy 016
Observational Astronomy
January 2002
Instructor: Stephan Martin, TPL 315, x3210, smartin@williams.edu
Class
Times:
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 7:00—9:00 pm, if cloudy
7:00 — 8:30 pm or 8:30 — 10:00 pm, if clear
Texts:
A Field Guide to the Stars and Planets, by Jay M. Pasachoff
The Stars: A New Way to See
Them, by H.A. Rey
Other Materials:
Edmund
Star and Planet Locator
a spiral or other bound notebook for recording observations and results from activities
calculator and small flashlight (optional)
Topics:
I. orienting to and finding your way around the sky
II. constellations and bright stars
III. binocular and telescope observing
IV. deep sky objects and other advanced topics
Note: Topics may be modified to reflect class interest
Evaluation:
Grading
will be based on attendance and participation as well as
completion
of various observing projects throughout the course. There will also be
an intensive
observational project during the last part of the course, which will be
presented
and turned in along with a portfolio of observations on the last day of
class.
Other Resources: I will also be maintaining a web page dedicated to this course containing links to weather and observing resources.
I’ll also use the page as a posting place for messages and announcements about the class and observing. The address is:
http:/ /www.williams.edu/Astronomy/Course-Pages/016/016.html
Independent Observing Projects
Below are some ideas for your month-long projects to be completed by the end of the course. You are welcome to work with a partner or in small groups but your project will have to reflect this increased participation. Project ideas and groups should be submitted to me by January 14th, at the latest.
Create your own star atlas of parts of the night sky
Study some part of the Moon in detail
Study deep-sky objects in detail
Chart the rising and setting positions of the Sun (or Moon)
Photograph or sketch different constellations in depth
Photograph or sketch the Moon in different phases
Photograph or sketch the Sun (with a filter) over time
Photograph a variety of objects
Observe and sketch double stars
Observe and chart variable stars
Observe and track asteroids
Build a telescope
Make a sundial
Sketch a planet and its moons over time
Measure the size of a planet or Saturn's rings and determine its mass
Measure ellipticity of Moon's orbit
Measure tilt of galaxy and ecliptic
Draw part of an analemma
Make a nocturnal, astrolabe, sextant or some other ancient astronomical device
Explore the myths and stories behind some constellations
Investigate and describe the sky from another planet or point of view
Suggest your own project - think about some aspect of the night sky or observing you would like to know more about and come up with a project. Talk to me about any ideas you might have or to see if it’s feasible.