Astronomy 102 Labs To Do
Spring Semester 2003
You will complete the following labs with the following due dates. Below is more information about the exact due dates, and links to the detailed description of each lab.
Naked Eye Labs
All of the naked eye labs require repeated observations over a period of time. Start now! If you put this off too long, it will be impossible for you to obtain an adequate set of observations for some of these labs.
Since these labs do not require the telescope, you may make observations on your own time; this is part of the homework for the course. (The lab and lecture are one integrated coures.) You may spend time during the lab periods performing these naked eye labs, but you will be expected to supplement those observations with observations made on your own time if that is necessary to adequately perform the lab. See About Being a Responsible Student below.
These long term labs will be evaulated each time the observing log is graded. You will be expected to have some observations completed for each by the first two grading periods, as detailed in the "Due Date" section of each lab, and (of course) the whole program complete by the third grading.
You are only required to do either the "Sunset" or "Moon's Orbit" lab. Both of these are long term labs requiring regular observations (including observations outside of the lab period).
| Lab | Due Date |
|---|---|
| Constellations & Star Names | Feb. 14 / Mar. 17 (Practical Test) |
| Jupiter's Orbital Motion | Feb. 14 / Mar. 21 |
| Saturn's Orbital Motion | Feb. 14 / Mar. 21 / Apr. 18 |
| Sunset or Moon's Orbit | Feb. 14 / Mar. 21 / Apr. 18 |
Telescope Labs
Note that proficiency with the telescope is not a lab per se, but is expected within about three weeks of lab sessions, and will be evaluated in a telescope practical exam 3-4 weeks into the semester.
You are only required to do either the "Star Hopping" or "Spectroscopy" labs, not both.
Updated 2003-March-17
| Lab | Due Date |
|---|---|
| Field of View | Feb. 14 |
| Jupiter Lab or Saturn Lab | Apr. 18 |
| Moon Lab | Apr. 18 |
| Star Hopping or Spectroscopy | Apr. 18 |
Web-Based Labs
| Lab | Due Date |
|---|---|
| Sunspot Lab | Apr. 18 |
IMPORTANT: About Being a Responsible Student
We rely on your ability to do some lab activities on your own time, without supervision, over a period of weeks. The astronomy lab will be a much more valuable learning experience if you show a reasonable level of reponsability and if you keep on top of things. It is VERY easy to ignore the astronomy labs until a deadline is looming close. This will not work since several labs require repeated observations over several weeks and that you can count on weather NOT cooperating. Slacking off and being foiled by bad weather is a sure method to get a poor lab grade. On the other hand, you may complete the assigned labs and be done with the whole thing before the end of the semester, if you are so inclined. Remember that the weather will get worse during November and December (Fall semester) and that you should do as much as possible before the end of October. During the Spring semester, don't despair: It should get better in March and April. We will give you plenty of reminders but the astronomy lab is an opportunity to prove that you can behave responsibly (at least when it matters!).