PH1610 Introductory Astronomy Lab ... (0-0-2) f ... 1 Cr

Course Description:
Fundamentals of astronomy are demonstrated using non-telescopic and telescopic observations, and computer simulations. Topics covered include angular size measurements, season-dependent measurements, phases of the Moon, phase and orbits of planets, brightness of stars, introduction to the use of MTU's Observatory, instrumentation, and applications of computer programs involving cosmology.

Corequisite: PH1600

Lab Fee: Yes

Notes:	Will not be offered Fall, 2001 due to lack of funding for equipment.
	Enrollment will be limited to about 20.

Astronomy: From the Earth to the Universe, 5th Ed. with "RedShift2" package, Pasachoff, (ISBN 0-03-0232163)

Non-Telescopic Observations
• Angles and Angular Measurements
• Angular Sizes in the Solar System
• Day Lengths and the Orientation of the Earth
• Identification of Stars of Different Brightness
• Identification of Constellations
• Phases of the Moon
• Locations and Movements of Naked-Eye Planets
• Meteor Counting, Radiants

Telescopic Observations
• Optics and Magnification
• Designs of Common Telescopes
• Photographic and CCD Detectors
• Observations of Multiple Stars
• Observations of Variable Stars
• Observations of Comets
• Observations of Galaxies

Computational Astronomy Lab
• The Inverse Square Law
• Cepheid Variables and the Distance Ladder
• Planck's Law and Star Colors
• Galaxy Brightness Profiles and Background Light
• Galaxy Spectra: Stellar Population Synthesis
• The Hubble Flow and the Expansion of the Universe
• Gamma-Ray Bursts and Analysis of NASA Spacecraft Data
• Stellar Evolution Across the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
• A Virtual Trip to a Black Hole

Course Rationale:
A large part of public exposure and understanding of science comes through astronomy. Many astronomical observations lend themselves well to simple exercises. Astronomy is one of the few courses that a physics department can offer that has broad appeal as an elective. Present and potential future distribution requirements may allow students to more easily elect an astronomy course that is accompanied by a lab.